Nearly 300 grams of meth seized in Tuolumne County drug investigation
A months-long drug investigation spanning three Sierra foothill counties ended with the arrest of a Columbia man after investigators found nearly 300 grams of methamphetamine, two loaded handguns and evidence of drug sales during a Highway 49 traffic stop and a subsequent search of his home, authorities said.
Members of the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team and the Tuolumne Narcotics Team arrested Joseph Jerry Lecompte, 35, on June 23 after stopping his vehicle on Highway 49 near Tuttletown, according to the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives said they recovered almost 300 grams of methamphetamine — more than 10 ounces — and drug packaging materials, digital scales, $1,372 in cash and a loaded semiautomatic handgun from Lecompte’s vehicle.
Authorities said Lecompte is prohibited from possessing firearms.
A passenger in the vehicle, Melissa Anne Manning, 42, was cited on suspicion of possessing methamphetamine. She was released at the scene.
Investigators later served a search warrant at Lecompte’s residence in Columbia, where they said they found a second loaded handgun and additional methamphetamine.
Two juveniles, ages 13 and 8, were alone inside the home when detectives arrived, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Investigators said the firearm and narcotics were found in areas readily accessible to the children, resulting in additional charges related to child endangerment.
Lecompte was booked into the Dambacher Detention Center on numerous felony charges, including possession of methamphetamine for sale, transportation of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, possession of a loaded firearm while in possession of a controlled substance, and child endangerment.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be pursued as detectives continue reviewing evidence collected during the operation, the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office credited the Amador County Combined Narcotics Enforcement Team for its partnership in the months-long investigation into methamphetamine sales throughout Amador, Calaveras and Tuolumne counties.
