A Commerce pair’s attempt to sell pills for some quick cash didn’t go quite as planned. The pair unknowingly contacted the Hopkins County sheriff in their attempt to sell pills late Sunday night, according to arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum alerted deputies about the contact by someone offering to sell hydrocodone pills for $5 each. The deputies and sheriff arranged to meet them on State Highway 11 west at FM 275, and were advised what vehicle to look for. When the vehicle arrived as arranged, the deputies initiated a felony takedown, HCSO Sgt. Scott Davis alleged in arrest reports.
Two men were reportedly removed from a white Ford F150 pickup and detained. On the passenger’s side floorboard a plastic bundle, wrapped in a typical fashion of illegal substances, was located. By touch, authorities ascertained the bundle contained pills; once opened, the bundle was found to have what appeared to be over-the-counter ibuprofen, not prescription pills.
After being read their rights, the two Commerce men reportedly agreed to talk to authorities. The passenger, identified in arrest reports as 29-year-old Evan Chapin, allegedly admitted he was knowingly trying to pass off the pills as false narcotics. The driver, identified in arrest reports as 42-year-old Stephen Anthony Braumuller, allegedly agreed to give Chapin a ride to the meeting spot in exchange for a share of the profit.
Davis and Deputy Aaron Chaney took both Commerce men into custody at 11:51 p.m. August 30 on a charge of manufacture or delivery of a simulated controlled substance or representing a substance as a controlled substance. A records check showed Braumuller also had 3 active Dallas County warrants.
Both remained in Hopkins County jail late Monday morning, August 31, on the simulated controlled substance charge; bond was set at $5,000 each. Braumuller also was held on the Dallas County warrants for violation of probation or parole on a possession of less than 1 gram of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance, fraudulent use or possession of identifying items and manufacture or delivery of 4 grams or more but less than 200 grams of a Penalty Group 1 controlled substance charges, according to jail reports.
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The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
