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Drugs, guns and cash seized in Friday the 13th raids
Suspected meth distribution operation busted
fri 13 raid in vehicle 2019
A BCSO officer collects evidence from a vehicle at a Great Bend residence Friday morning, Sept. 13. Sheriff Brian Bellendir said this Friday the 13th was an unlucky day for meth dealers in Barton County. Search warrants were served at three locations. - photo by Courtesy

Friday, September 13 was an unlucky day for methamphetamine dealers in Barton County. The Barton County Sheriff’s Office conducted three search warrants at various locations in the county, Sheriff Brian Bellendir stated in a news release.

“It is believed this was a methamphetamine distribution operation.”

Deputies and detectives executed a search warrant shortly after 10 a.m. Friday at 1411 20th St. in Great Bend. Arrested at the scene was Roosevelt (Ty) Henderson, age 32 of Great Bend. Henderson was charged with distribution of methamphetamine, criminal use of a firearm as well as destruction of evidence. As deputies were attempting to gain entry into the residence, Henderson attempted to flush suspected methamphetamine down the toilet, causing it to clog. A large amount of cash and a handgun were located at the residence.  Henderson is being held in lieu of a $300,000 bond.

Sheriff’s Officers then proceeded to 260 N. Washington St. just north of Great Bend at about 10:45 a.m. Deputies gained entry to the residence and contacted John Paul Zapata. Zapata was arrested on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and felon in possession of a firearm.

Four children were also found in the residence. Juvenile Services was contacted and a “child in need of care” case has been initiated. Currency was also seized at that residence

At approximately 12:15 p.m. deputies executed a search warrant at Affordable Tire and Auto, located at 4908 10th St. in Great Bend. At that location Sheriff’s deputies found evidence of distribution of methamphetamine and a stolen firearm. Brett Denning, age 51 of Great Bend was booked into the Barton County jail for possession of methamphetamine and possession of stolen property. Denning posted a $10,000 bond and was released from the county jail.

This has been an ongoing investigation conducted by Sheriff’s Office detectives and will continue, Bellendir said. “The Sheriff’s Office will pursue leads developed in this case and further arrests are expected. More than $23,000 of suspected drug money and one vehicle were seized in today’s operations.”