The Lea County Drug Task Force (LCDTF) arrested Jerry Wayne Chadwell, age 42, of Hobbs, on Wednesday, May 17. Chadwell is accused of drug trafficking, child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The LCDTF “has confiscated thousands of controlled substances and taken the suspect into custody after a 13-year-old juvenile was found to have consumed ‘Magic Mushrooms’ the adult provided,” states an article published at FOX34.com.
According to a press release issued by the LCDTF, Lea County Sheriff’s Office deputies earlier this year advised the LCDTF of a “narcotics trafficking and child abuse investigation involving a 13-year-old juvenile and a 42-year-old male identified as Jerry Wayne Chadwell….”
The investigation revealed that “…Chadwell and Juvenile had been communicating and scheduling meeting locations for narcotic transactions. On March 13, 2023, the juvenile was found in need of medical assistance after he/she consumed ‘Magic Mushrooms’ provided by Chadwell,” states the press release.
“Magic Mushroom”, technically known as psilocybin, is a Schedule 1 Drug by the Controlled Substance ACT (CSA).
According to the press release, after being notified of the Lea County Sheriffs’ ongoing investigation, the LCDTF authorized a Criminal Complaint and an Arrest Warrant for Chadwell on the charges of Child Abuse – 3rd Degree Felony, and Contributing to the Deliquency of a Minor – 4th Degree Felony.
Last week on May 17 and with the assistance of the Hoobs Police Department, the LCDTF conducted a “Buy Bust””operation on Chadwell, states the press release. Some $6,000 street value of psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms), about two-and-a-half pounds, were seized. Eight pounds of marijuana with a street value of $25,000 was also confiscated. And “over 1000 other THC related products such as gummies, chocolates and vapes were seized. Value is undetermined at this time,” states the press release.
Law enforcement investigators have located a “loaded firearm” and learned after reviewing Chadwell’s criminal record that he is a felon. The press release states that “multiple felony charges are pending at this time.”
