A series of investigations by members of the Baker County Drug Task Force have culminated in the arrest of 14 people.

Oregon State Police Sgt. Ty Duby said in a press release issued

Friday that investigators identified one of the suspects, Rodney Alen

Rookstool, 49, of John Day, as a major supplier of methamphetamine in

Baker, Grant and Crook counties during the fall of 2009. The narcotics

team targeted Rookstool and others receiving drugs from him as the

investigation proceeded, Duby said.

Police used information received during a series of undercover drug

purchases to secure warrants to search Rookstool’s person, home and

vehicles.

On Jan. 4, police stopped Rookstool near North Powder just after

he’d left the freeway, Duby said. During a search of his vehicle,

detectives seized about a fourth of a pound of methamphetamine and

about a half a pound of marijuana, Duby said. Police also seized a

.45-caliber handgun and $1,900 cash.

Christine Dillon, 46, of Bend, who was traveling with Rookstool on

Jan. 4 was cited and released on a charge of possessing methamphetamine.

Additional search warrants were served at Rookstool’s John Day home

in January. Police seized $25,000 in cash, thousands of dollars worth

of stolen property and a small amount of methamphetamine, Duby said.

As part of the ongoing investigation and based on evidence gathered

during the searches, Rookstool has been indicted by grand juries in

Baker and Grant counties on nearly 40 felony charges ranging from

methamphetamine trafficking to possession of stolen property, Duby said.

In addition to Rookstool, these people have been charged in connection with the investigation:

andbull; Michael Robbins, 42, of 2017 Seventh St., arrested Tuesday on three counts each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine.

andbull; Duane Chandler, 40, of 17556 Chandler Lane, arrested Tuesday on one count each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine.

andbull; Destiny Dawn Burril, 26, of John Day, arrested Wednesday on one count each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine.

andbull; Debra Burril, 54, of John Day, arrested Wednesday on one count each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine.

andbull; Tina Day Couey, 40, of John Day, arrested Wednesday on two counts each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine.

andbull; Theresa Placencia, 46, of John Day, arrested Wednesday on one count each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine.

andbull; Etoile Benge, 36, of Canyon City, arrested Wednesday on three counts each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine and two counts each of possessing methamphetamine and endangering the welfare of a minor.

andbull; Ingo Wedde, 50, of Prairie City, arrested Wednesday on one count each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine.

andbull; Curtis Heard, 42, of Prairie City, arrested Wednesday on one count each of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine and solicitation to deliver methamphetamine.

andbull; Christine Dillon, 46, of Bend also was arrested on additional charges Thursday at Rookstool’s home, Duby said. She was taken into custody on charges of manufacturing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school and conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine.

Duby said the case was investigated by members of the Baker County Narcotics Enforcement Team, which consists of detectives from the Oregon State Police, Baker County Sheriff’s Office and Baker City Police. Assistance also was provided by uniformed members of those agencies as well as the John Day Police Department and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

Duby said the Baker County Narcotics Enforcement Team arrested three others as part of a separate undercover drug investigation. They are:

andbull; Jesse Linscott, 24, of 2890 B St., arrested Monday on one count of delivering methamphetamine.

andbull; Jeffrey Sult, 37, of North Powder, arrested Monday on one count of delivering methamphetamine.

andbull; Jake Fischer, 26, of 2415 Baker St., No. 2, arrested Tuesday on one count each of delivering methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine.