SHORT STANDOFF WITH LAW ENFORCMENT ENDS WITHOUT INCIDENT
By: Sachet A. Sullivan
Ruth Anderson, 42, and Ben Howard, 43, were booked into the Iron County Jail within two days of each other. Court records filed in 5th District Court show agents with the Iron-Beaver-Garfield Narcotics Task Force began investigating the pair for methamphetamine distribution in early January.
ANDERSONS ARREST
During the investigation, the task force arranged for a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Anderson on three separate occasions.
On Thursday afternoon, agents went to Anderson’s home to arrest her. When she opened the door and saw police, she immediately tried to close the door but was apprehended by officers.
While speaking with agents, Anderson told them there were narcotics and paraphernalia in her bedroom, which was reportedly in the basement of her parents’ home. With her consent, agents searched the bedroom, allegedly finding an assortment of drugs and paraphernalia, including a scale, drug bags, marijuana in various containers, Xanax pills, and 10 methamphetamine pipes with residue. Some of the items were reportedly hidden in a lockbox disguised as a dictionary.
The affidavit states that these items are consistent with a “one-stop shop” where multiple narcotics could be purchased at one location.
During further questioning, Anderson reportedly admitted to acting as a “middleman” in the drug transactions.
INVESTIGATION OF HOWARD – Comparing Court Records
Court records show agents were investigating Howard as the alleged supplier from whom Anderson was purchasing the drugs. A separate affidavit indicates that Howard was present during the controlled buys, as confirmed by both documents.
According to Anderson’s affidavit, a planned drug purchase was not completed on the last attempt due to “other circumstances.” However, Howard’s affidavit revealed that agents had arranged to buy a quarter pound of methamphetamine, but the transaction fell through when Howard reportedly insisted on taking the money before handing over the drugs.
Howard’s Arrest and Search
Following Anderson’s arrest, agents executed a search warrant at Howard’s home in Beaver.
Although Howard was not at home at the time the warrant was executed, investigators reportedly found a handgun, methamphetamine, and paraphernalia.
The affidavit states that Howard is a convicted felon, which bars him from owning firearms, but it remains unclear why he was not charged for the firearm.
Standoff and Capture
Howard evaded authorities for several days, until the Beaver County Sheriff’s Office located him at his residence yesterday afternoon. Police attempted to make contact with Howard, who refused to come out for over an hour. SWAT was then called to the scene, and another warrant was issued for the home. Upon SWAT breaching the front door, Howard surrendered himself to authorities without further incident.
During questioning, Howard reportedly told investigators he was “joking” about the half pound of meth.
Criminal Charges
Anderson faces four second-degree felonies for distribution of a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute, two third-degree felonies for possession with intent to distribute, and two misdemeanor charges for possession of paraphernalia.
Howard faces three second-degree felonies for distribution of a controlled substance and one third-degree felony for obstruction of justice.
Additionally, Howard faces a class B misdemeanor charge of theft for allegedly tampering with surveillance equipment issued under a subsequent warrant.
The affidavit notes that Beaver County is also screening for additional charges.
INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
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