Two people were taken into custody early Thursday, May 14, after the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office served a narcotics search warrant on O Highway in the Goodhope area of Douglas County.
According to the sheriff’s office, the warrant followed a several-week investigation conducted by Sgt. Aaron Box.
Michelle Walker, 55, of Ava, and Phillip Thomas, 33, of Oldfield, were taken into custody at the residence. The sheriff’s office reported that, when deputies entered the home, the two had allegedly prepared two lines of methamphetamine on a chalkboard on the bed.
During the search, deputies reportedly seized methamphetamine and a firearm.
Both Walker and Thomas were initially placed on 24-hour holds pending formal charges.
According to the sheriff’s office, Walker is a convicted felon and was on probation for delivery of a controlled substance at the time of her arrest. Authorities reported Walker had visited her probation officer the previous day and stated she was clean. Deputies also reportedly located synthetic urine allegedly used to falsify a urine test. Walker allegedly admitted she was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of her arrest.
A warrant was issued for Walker on allegations of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon; and unlawful use of a weapon by possessing methamphetamine and a firearm. Bond was set at $5,000 cash only.
The sheriff’s office reported that Thomas is also a convicted felon and is currently under the supervision of Probation and Parole. According to the department, Thomas has 13 prior arrests and was released from the Department of Corrections on March 11, 2026. Thomas allegedly admitted he was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time of his arrest.
A warrant was issued for Thomas on allegations of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon; and unlawful use of a weapon by possessing methamphetamine and a firearm. Bond was set at $5,000 cash only.
The sheriff’s office stated that, upon arrival at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and before entering the jail, both individuals disclosed they had methamphetamine concealed on their persons. Deputies reportedly seized two baggies containing methamphetamine from the two. The sheriff’s office noted the substances would have been discovered by the body scanner.
Sheriff Chris Degase thanked the Ava Police Department for assisting with the service of the search warrant.
All charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
