WING Scores Meth Arrest

(GERING, Neb.) — A Terrytown man was arrested after an investigation by the WING Drug Task Force linked him to multiple controlled purchases of methamphetamine from a Gering motel room.

Abel F. Valdez, 51, was arraigned in Scotts Bluff County Court September 21 on two Class 2 felony counts of distribution of a controlled substance.

According to an affidavit for an arrest warrant filed by Nebraska State Patrol Investigator Craig Kumpf, the charges stem from an investigation involving a confidential informant who made controlled purchases at the Circle S Lodge, 400 M St. in Gering.

The first transaction occurred January 29, when the informant was provided $300 in prerecorded buy money and sent to Valdez’s motel room. The informant exchanged the money for a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine. Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance was methamphetamine and weighed approximately 2.96 grams.

A second transaction was conducted February 9 at the same location. The informant purchased another bag of methamphetamine from Valdez in exchange for $200. Laboratory testing determined the package contained approximately 4.75 grams of methamphetamine.

An arrest warrant was issued for Valdez on August 25 and served September 21.

During his arraignment September 21, bond was set at $50,000, with 10% allowed. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 29 at 9:45 a.m. in Room 1 of Scotts Bluff County Court.