Kimball Man Arrested in Drug Bust

A local drug bust July 10 led to a search warrant and an arrest of Daniel Valdez of Kimball.

According to an arrest affidavit, at approximately 12:31 p.m., a call was transferred to a Kimball police officer from a unknown caller. The officer stated in the affidavit that the caller informed him of a drug deal and drug use taking place in the 700 block of Webster street and that the person(s) participating were on probation through the State of Nebraska.

According to the affidavit, the officer asked the names of those involved. The names given were Jonathan Richards and Cody Callahan, both on felony supervision through Taylor Schmid of the Kimball Probation Office.

After the officer contacted Schmid to confirm the probation status, both Schmid and the officer proceeded to the residence. Upon arrival the officer was informed that both Callahan and Richards had left the premises and had went to Callahan’s residence.

The affidavit then states the officer proceeded to the 400 block of South Myrtle street, and neither party was present at this address either. The affidavit continues to state that at this time the unknown caller informed the officer that both parties had proceeded to the 600 block of Elm Street to complete the drug deal and “get high.”

The KPD officer proceeded to meet the parties at the residence in the 600 block of Elm, when upon arrival, he noticed a vehicle belonging to Daniel Valdez parked to the east of the garage in the alley. The officer then stated he noticed Callahan and Branson Grubb standing in the garage.

The officer then introduced himself and asked if there was anyone else in the garage. Grubb informed him Daniel Valdez was in the back room and motioned him to follow him.

Valdez was asked to uncross his arms and open his hands, and when he did a small clear bag of a white substance, which appeared to be methamphetamine, fell on the table, the officer said. Valdez then admitted to the officer the baggie contained “meth.” Valdez, Grubb and Callahan were then read their Miranda rights.

Schmid asked Valdez and Callahan to empty their pockets, Callahan pulled out a small clear bag with a green leafy substance in it. Upon searching the immediate area where Callahan and Valdez were standing, several items were found. According to the affidavit, Valdez then informed the officer the items near him were his. The items included clear baggies, a black and sliver scale, multiple dispensers and containers with marijuana odor.

Valdez was placed under arrest and transported to the Kimball County Jail for two felony charges, possession with intent to deliver, and possession of a controlled substance.

- Dakota Kuhns