News commentator Laughlin arrested on drug charges

A news commentator whose Silver City home was raided during a police search Thursday said he is not selling marijuana to people.

"It's totally the result of various people spreading improper allegations," said news commentator Chandler A. Laughlin, who goes by the moniker Travis T. Hipp in his syndicated radio program and column for the Sparks Tribune. "I have a prescription for marijuana for my health."

Lyon County drug officers confiscated three ounces of peyote and four ounces of marijuana during the search of Laughlin's Gay Street home about 8:30 a.m., said Lyon County Detective Ryan Powell.

Powell said the warrant followed a month-long investigation into Laughlin's activities.

"We've had several complaints into the narcotics division about him selling marijuana to kids and adults," said Powell.

Laughlin, 70, was booked into the Lyon County Jail at the Dayton substation on suspicion of felony maintaining a residence for the purpose of using or selling a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale, possession of peyote for sale, possession of marijuana, possession of peyote, unlawful use of marijuana, ex-felon in possession of a firearm and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released after posting $46,132 bail.

On Aug. 1, Laughlin was also arrested in Storey County on suspicion of driving under the influence of marijuana.

A self-proclaimed, "poor hippy's Paul Harvey," Laughlin said he's lived in Silver City for 45 years and he sees his arrest as harassment.

"I know that I have one bitter enemy in this town who for many years has been spreading allegations about myself and about other people," he said. "I don't distribute or sell marijuana. I don't do anything man. I sit here and smoke some weed in the morning."

He said the peyote was from 25 years ago when he would attend American Indian ceremonies.

Laughlin will be arraigned in Dayton Justice Court on Sept. 6.

• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.