OPD Makes Drug Arrest, Cautions Four-Wheelers

Olney police say a June drug bust may have disrupted a significant source of illegal drugs in the area, while Police Chief Bryan Barrett is also warning residents to expect increased enforcement involving golf carts, side-by-sides and city code violations.

Amos Raydean Judkins, 48, was arrested June 13 and remained in the Young County Jail on $275,000 bail. He faces two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance and three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm. County records show Mr. Judkins has an arrest history in Young County dating to 2018.

Chief Barrett said the investigation began after Young County law enforcement officers stopped Mr. Judkins and arrested him following a traffic stop. Information developed afterward allowed Olney police to obtain a search warrant for his residence.

Police found methamphetamine, marijuana, pills and firearms during the search, Chief Barrett said. He said the quantity of drugs indicated they were not simply for personal use. Federal authorities subsequently became involved in the investigation.

“I think he was one of our main suppliers in the area,” Chief Barrett said. “I think this is a good start to interrupt the network.”

The chief said residents can expect attention to another growing concern: golf carts and side-by-sides being driven on Olney streets without obeying traffic laws.

Chief Barrett said police have received complaints about drivers running stop signs and operating the vehicles without licenses. Drivers must obey applicable traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and having required lighting and other safety equipment.

Chief Barrett said enforcement is aimed primarily at preventing serious accidents between the small vehicles and cars or trucks.

“If we can stop somebody dying, that’s pretty important,” he said.

“Safety’s paramount.”

Residents also will see an increase in code enforcement around town, Chief Barrett said. Officers are proceeding street by street rather than attempting a citywide crackdown at once.

He said that code-enforcement door hangers are a courtesy notice giving property owners an opportunity to correct a violation, not the beginning of formal enforcement proceedings. That process begins if a property owner receives a certified letter, he said.

The goal, he said, is to address violations “realistically and fairly” while gradually raising expectations for property maintenance throughout Olney.

The department is also watching heavy truck traffic through town. Chief Barrett said complaints have centered primarily on speeding, and officers are stopping trucks when violations are observed. Meanwhile, OPD is one officer short of its authorized staffing level, and Chief Barrett said he is “recruiting heavily” to fill the vacancy.