PRESS RELEASE

Parsons Police K9 Morgan Sniffs Out Another Arrest

For Immediate Release

Date: November 27, 2023

Contact: Lieutenant Jason Ludwig

Phone: (620) 421-7060

Email: jludwig@parsonspd.com

On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 23, 2023, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Parsons Police Officer Frank Pousher, Cpl. Christian Smith and K9 Morgan were on patrol. They observed a 2000 Nissan Altima commit a traffic violation by failing to signal, in the area of 15th and Clark Ave. There they conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle. The driver and only occupant was found to be Damian Lajarwin-Gerre Williams, 33 years old of Parsons.

During the stop, K9 Morgan was deployed by Cpl. Smith and conducted an open-air sniff of the vehicle. K9 Morgan gave a positive alert to the vehicle. During a subsequent search of the vehicle, amounts of marijuana and paraphernalia were located, as well as more than 25 pills marked as the controlled substance Oxycodone, which Williams was in unlawful possession of.

Williams was arrested for Possession of Controlled Substance with the intent to distribute, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a traffic infraction of failure to signal. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, an affidavit was sent to a judge for review, a bond was set for $5,000 cash or surety. Williams was subsequently transferred to the Labette County Jail.

The pills are being sent to the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) Crime Lab for analysis and identification, as in recent years the nation has been plagued by counterfeit prescription pills that contain Fentanyl or other controlled substances. These pills are commonly referred to as "Dirty 30s' and have caused fatal overdoses. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) put out this information regarding counterfeit pills, "Counterfeit pills are nearly identical to actual prescription medications. The majority of counterfeit pills resemble oxycodone 30mg pills (M30s), but can also mimic hydrocodone, alprazolam (Xanax), Adderall, and other medications. There are indications that drug trafficking organizations are specifically targeting kids and teens by creating counterfeit pills in a variety of shapes and bright colors to appeal to that age group. Counterfeit M30 pills can vary in color from white to blue. The best way to avoid counterfeit medication is to take only medications prescribed by a licensed medical professional and dispensed by a registered pharmacist."

"This is another example of proactive policing at work. There are no routine traffic stops. Every stop could lead to arresting a violent felon; a distributor of death within our community; or an impaired driver from our streets. I am proud of these officers and K9 Morgan in making this apprehension," said Patrol Sergeant Charles Brown.

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: tips@parsonspd.com .

Damian Lajarwin-Gerre Williams, 33 years old of Parsons