K-9 Finds Multiple grams of Meth

Published on October 4, 2017

A man authorities said has an “extensive” drug history was arrested Monday with cocaine and a large amount of methamphetamine, plus a loaded gun, the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office alleges.

Aaron Hampton, 45, was arrested on suspicion of drug possession, possession with intent to distribute drugs, possession of a weapon by a previous offender, as a special offender, and for alleged traffic violations.

Bond upon arrest was $60,000. Hampton appeared in court Tuesday, but the outcome of the hearing, including a new bail amount and next hearing date, was not immediately available.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Keith Sanders observed Hampton allegedly weave across the yellow line on U.S. 550 Monday evening, and pulled him over.

Hampton said a pint of Fireball whiskey Sanders found in his vehicle belonged to a friend, the officer wrote in an arrest affidavit. Sanders also wrote Hampton’s behavior on a roadside sobriety test appeared consistent with someone under the influence of marijuana; Hampton denied having any illegal drugs, but reportedly said Sanders would need a warrant to have the MCSO K-9, Oxx, conduct a drug sniff.

Sasnders informed Hampton he needed only a reasonable suspicion and deployed Oxx. The dog reportedly hit on the vehicle’s passenger side.

Sanders reported finding a .45 caliber long colt with five live rounds inside the vehicle. Next to the gun was a box in which Sanders reported finding a scale, baggies, and a bag of white powder “consistent” with cocaine, along with a sandwich bag full of suspected methamphetamine.

The affidavit states Hampton has a significant history of illegal drug offenses and felony convictions.

Hampton served time in prison in 2006 for violating parole, according to Colorado Bureau of Investigation records.

Hampton’s criminal history on file with the agency shows drug allegations stretching back to 2003, and a conviction in 2004 of drug possession. The records show other arrests on suspicion of drug offenses, but not all of them were resolved with a finding of guilty on drug charges.