A local man is behind bars after being charged as part of a drug sales ring operating out of Wrangell and Ketchikan – and included the alleged sale and delivery of marijuana and methamphetamine.
Wrangell Police Department officers arrested Larry Dean Simpson, 54, on Dec. 24 at his residence on Evergreen Road after a warrant seeking him was lodged in Ketchikan.
Simpson was arrested after allegations came to light that he was working in concert with Wrangell property owner David Bach, who Ketchikan police believe “was engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise involving the importation, storing and distribution of marijuana and methamphetamine.”
During a search of a residence, Bach was found to be in possession of 22.7 grams of methamphetamine, a 5mg Oxycodone tablet, a 5-gallon bucket containing three 1-pound packages of marijuana and three mason jars containing approximately an ounce of marijuana each. A triple-beam scale and numerous empty jars were also located in the vicinity of the bulk marijuana.
After Ketchikan police interviewed associates of Bach, it was alleged that Simpson was selling marijuana for him and it was during the execution of search warrants in Ketchikan and Wrangell that evidence was obtained showing Bach had gained a substantial amount of income and resources while maintaining a small party supply store to launder money through. A public records search with the State of Alaska shows that Bach owns a property on Evergreen Road and is the location where Simpson was arrested.
Simpson reportedly told police that he received numerous shipments of marijuana from Bach in 5-gallon buckets and sold it for him in Wrangell. A search of Simpson’s residence revealed a small marijuana grow operation, numerous empty buckets, methamphetamine pipes and small plastic baggies with white residue and a glass vial containing methamphetamine.
“The defendant (Simpson) admitted to using methamphetamine with Bach and admitted the methamphetamine packaging and paraphernalia were his,” charging documents state. “Further, a search of (another) residence revealed identical 5-gallon buckets, ledgers indicating sales that included a price sheet and text messages with (Simpson) about retrieving the marijuana.”
Simpson is currently being held in the Wrangell jail and his bail has been set at $50,000. His next court date is scheduled for today in First District Court.
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