Two busted after man spotted taking safe from hotel
By Brandi Makuski
Two Stevens Point people face drug-related charges after being arrested in a local hotel.
Christopher Owens, 52, and 19-year-old Savannah Mohrland, made their bond appearances by video from the Portage Co. Jail on Thursday before Judge Patricia Baker.
According to Assistant District Attorney Jedidiah Dodge, Portage Co. deputies on Jan. 26 were called to Super 8 by Wyndham, also known as The Elizabeth Inn, at 5246 Harding Ave. in the Town of Plover at 11:19 p.m.
A caller from the hotel reported a disturbance in one of the guest rooms.
Upon arrival, a deputy saw Owens leaving the hotel lobby while carrying a small safe, about the size of a suitcase, Dodge said. When the deputy asked Owens about the disturbance, Owens said it was related to the safe he carried, which he admitted contained drugs but said it belonged to Mohrland, who was the registered guest in room 117.
Deputies met with Mohrland, who gave numerous accounts of the reported disturbance. Several drug-related items were visible to the officer from the door, Dodge said, prompting a search of the room.
Deputies found “numerous” glass smoking pipes with residue later determined to be marijuana or methamphetamine, and more than 200 grams of marijuana split between several gem baggies. An undisclosed amount of meth was also found in a separate gem baggie, Dodge said.
Next to a glass smoking pipe in the bathroom, deputies found Owens’ ID card.
Dodge said both defendants have open felony cases in Portage Co. Both face new charges of felony bail-jumping, possession of illegal controlled substances, and possession with intent to deliver THC.
Mohrland was issued a $2,500 signature bond and returns to court for an initial appearance on March 7.
Dodge said that Owens was on probation for a previous conviction for selling cocaine and maintaining a drug trafficking place. In that case, an eight-year prison sentence was imposed and stayed. Owens also is out on a signature bond in another drug-related case.
“He’s proven he’s unable to comply with conditions while on bond,” Dodge said.
Judge Baker ordered Owens be held on a $500 cash bond. He returns for an initial appearance on Feb. 14.
