The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

On Jan. 19, deputies with the Orange County Sheriff's Office Special Services Division along with assistance with the Orange Police Department conducted a joint operation at a local motel within Orange.

This operation was to disrupt and terminate active narcotics distribution organizations that were renting rooms at local motels to conduct street level transactions involving the illegal distribution of methamphetamine.

During the operation, surveillance was performed and deputies observed activity that was consistent with street level narcotics transactions. Contact was made with the occupants of the motel room by uniformed law enforcement officers and plain clothes officers with the Special Services Division and the Orange Police Department.

The person that registered the room was not present. The occupants within the room were identified as 37 year old, Scott Wayne Lewis of Bridge City, and 36 year old, Danny Church Jr. of Nederland.

A subsequent search of the motel room revealed approximately two ounces of crystal methamphetamine, digital scales, drug paraphernalia, and re-packaging bags for the sell of methamphetamine.

The crystal methamphetamine has a street value of approximately $6,600.

While investigating this operation a third person arrived at the motel room, identified as 39 year old Vernon Knape of Port Arthur. Scott Lewis, Danny Church Jr. and Vernon Knape were arrested and transported to the Orange County Correctional Facility.

This offense is being investigated further, with possible federal charges and prosecution pending.