On July 18, 2023, at approximately 12:09 am Officer Connor Eichinger conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that had been identified as conducting a suspected hand-to-hand drug deal.

During the traffic stop, a Parsons K-9 Unit arrived and was utilized. A search of the vehicle was conducted, and Methamphetamines was located during the search. Sonya Coralie Demoss, 36 of Parsons, confessed to the ownership of the illegal narcotics and was subsequently arrested for the Possession of a Controlled Substance and Possession of Paraphernalia.

Stemming from the traffic stop and the witnessed hand-to-hand transaction, a search warrant was applied for and granted by a Judge for the search of a hotel room at the Canterbury Inn, 400 Mian Street.

Officers executed the search warrant and illegal narcotics with paraphernalia for use and for sale in the room. Two suspects were arrested during the search, Travis Paul Wilson, 42 of Parsons, Albany Diane Mattick. 33 of Parsons. The Parsons Police Department is seeking the following charges from the Labette County Attorney's Office; Possession of Certain Stimulant, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Interference with Law Enforcement (Destroying Evidence), Possession with Intent to Distribute Certain Stimulants.

The arrest of Travis Wilson will be his fourth arrest since February of 2023. Travis was arrested on April 11 and April 21 for felony narcotics violations. This arrest is his third felony level drug charge this year as well as a misdemeanor Driving while Suspended arrest from February.

Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks said, "its important for citizens to see who the career habitual criminals are in town. My staff has arrested this man for the fourth time since February and three of the arrests have been felonies. Your police department made over 800 arrests in 2022. Many of them involve repeat offenders. Most felony level arrests are not new, but are repeat offenders. The police department will continue to do the job that we are entrusted to do, but we will never be able to arrest our city out of a higher crime rate. We are always looking to partner with the community and raise awareness, conduct enforcement, and continue to educate citizens and staff. Yet, we look to end this revolving door of the criminal justice system."   

This continues to be an on-going investigation and citizens are encouraged to "See It, Hear It, Report It." All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If anyone has any further information on this incident or any other criminal activity, please contact the Parsons Police Department at 421-7060 or call the Tip Line at 421-7057 or email at tips@parsonspd.com.

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