On Friday, May 26 Marshall County Detective Johnathan Bryant was traveling southbound on Michigan Road near Jefferson Street in a police vehicle when he observed a male known to be Ricky Billings walking on the sidewalk. Knowing that he had outstanding warrants for his arrest the detective made contact with him in the Bruno’s Pizza parking lot.
Mr. Billings was informed of the warrant for his arrest and told to turn around and put his hands behind his back. Mr. Billings cooperated but began to reach for his front pants pocket. The detective instructed him not to do so and asked if he had anything illegal on him or any weapons. Billings stated he had methamphetamine in his pocket, along with a methamphetamine pipe and some knives.
Ricky Billings was handcuffed and double-locked. The detective then retrieved three knives, a glass container with a small amount of a crystal substance inside, and a used glass methamphetamine pipe from his pants pocket. The drug items were collected and photographed and later field tested positive for methamphetamine.
Mr. Billings was then transported to the Marshall County Jail for two outstanding civil contempt warrants and possession of methamphetamine. He was given a Superior Court III date of June 27, and a $1,500 cash bond.
Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is merely an allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.
