Barton County Sheriff’s Office deputies executed two search warrants in Great Bend and a third just south of the city, shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 15.

The warrants were issued simultaneously at 1411 Second St., 2421 12th St. and 166 South U.S. 281.

Three people were arrested. The searches resulted in the seizure of approximately 3 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, approximately 100 fentanyl tablets, fentanyl powder, and marijuana, as well as Psilocybin mushroom, Sheriff Brian Bellendir stated in a news release.

At the South U.S. 281 location, officers seized approximately 1 ounce of methamphetamine as well as several firearms. Arrested at that location was Richard Buess, age 62. Buess was charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and criminal use of weapons. He has since posted a $50,000 bond and has been released.

Two persons were arrested at 1411 Second St.  Shelley Maynard, age 62, was booked on requested charges of two separate charges of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl, and criminal use of a firearm. Her bond is set at $300,000.

Also arrested on Second Street was Shawn Messick, age 40, who was booked on requested charges of three separate counts of distribution of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school. Each charge had a bond set of $100,000. 

No one was present at the third location on 12th St. No items were seized or arrests made at that address.

The search warrants were the culmination of an investigation that lasted several weeks conducted by Barton County Sheriff’s Office detectives. The BCSO was assisted in the execution of the warrants by officers from the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks as well as the Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation is ongoing.