Acting on tips from neighbors, a month-long investigation led to the arrest of a man and woman who were charged with multiple crimes following a drug raid at a southwest Bend apartment. Over $4,000 worth of cocaine, cash and other items associated with drug sales were found, drug agents reported yesterday.
According to a news release prepared by Bend Police Lt. John Gautney, detectives with the Central Oregon Drug Enforcement (CODE) team and Bend patrol officers executed a search warrant at the home of the suspects on November 19. Joel Gary Baxter, 21, and Elizabeth Elaine MacDonald, 27, and several other persons were present in the apartment located at 20089 Beth Avenue during the search.
Joel Gary Baxter (left) and Elizabeth Elaine MacDonald (right) - DCJ photos
About 41 grams of cocaine and $725 in cash were discovered in hidden compartments, and detectives also found digital scales, packaging material, and what they suspect is a “cutting” agent commonly used to mix with the drug to increase the volume, the lieutenant said.
Baxter and MacDonald were taken into custody and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail. They are each charged with possession, manufacture and delivery of cocaine, plus frequenting a place where controlled substances are kept or sold.
“This investigation was initiated as a result of complaints from people in the neighborhood,” Gautney stated.