A 53-year old Merrill man faces an array of drug-related charges in the wake of a Sept. 2 search warrant served by officers of the Merrill Police Department.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Lincoln County District Attorney’s Office, a search warrant executed at the residence of 53-year old Edward P. Duellman on the morning of Wednesday, Sept. 2, yielded items of drug paraphernalia including a device commonly used for smoking methamphetamine, syringes and a digital scale.
Eight others were located inside the residence, each known to be involved in the use and/or sale of methamphetamine, according to the complaint. Prior to the execution of the search warrant, investigators had conducted surveillance at the residence; during which numerous people who were known to be involved in the use and/or sale of methamphetamine, were observed coming and going from the residence.
Duellman reportedly claimed ownership of the items discovered during the search of his residence. A search of Duellman’s person resulted in the discovery of a small amount of marijuana and two clear bags containing a white rocky substance, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.
According to court records, the search warrant served at Duellman’s residence on Sept. 2 was the second in less than a year.
On the evening of Nov. 14, 2019 a search warrant executed at Duellman’s residence resulted in the discovery of 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, various prescription pills and items commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
On the afternoon of Thursday, Sept. 3, Duellman appeared in Lincoln County Circuit Court facing felony charges of maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of methamphetamine and bail jumping. The bail jumping charge is a result of Duellman violating bond conditions related to the November 2019 case.
In addition, Duellman faces charges of misdemeanor possession of THC and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Following Duellman’s initial appearance, he was released on $5,000 signature bond, with conditions of maintaining absolute sobriety and having no contact with other individuals who were located inside the residence during the Sept. 2 warrant service. His next court appearance is set for Thursday, Oct. 15.