Two Arrested in Tooele Hotel Room with Drugs and Children Present

Two men from Bakersfield, California, were arrested in Tooele County, Utah, after police discovered drugs, firearms, and three young children inside a hotel room.

Suspects Identified

The men, identified as Kennith James Pierce, 50, and Eric Mayse, 39, were taken into custody on Monday afternoon and booked into the Tooele County Jail on multiple charges.

Tip from Confidential Source

According to an arrest affidavit, law enforcement was tipped off by a confidential informant who reported that Pierce and Mayse were staying in a local hotel with another adult and three children. The source alleged that the suspects were using drugs in the presence of the children and had two “ghost guns”—firearms with serial numbers removed.

Investigators believed that both men posed a flight risk and would likely return to California if given the opportunity.

Also Read – Utah’s Delta Center to Help Individuals Clear Criminal Records

Police Execute Search Warrant

Based on this information, Tooele’s Major Crimes Task Force obtained a search warrant for the hotel room and a Dodge truck connected to the suspects.

Officers located Mayse as he was attempting to leave the hotel and placed him under arrest. Pierce was taken into custody when police searched the hotel room and reportedly found methamphetamine in his jacket.

Disturbing Discovery Inside Hotel Room

Upon entering the room, officers noted a “strong and overwhelming” smell of methamphetamine. Inside, they found three children—ages one to three—exposed to the hazardous environment.

A search of the hotel room and vehicle uncovered:

• Methamphetamine, psychedelic mushrooms, and marijuana
• Fentanyl
• Drug paraphernalia
• Two handguns with altered serial numbers

Charges Filed

Both Pierce and Mayse now face a long list of charges, including:

• Three counts of child endangerment (third-degree felony)
• Possession of a controlled substance (multiple counts, misdemeanor and felony)
• Possession of drug paraphernalia (class B misdemeanor)
• Possession of firearms by a restricted person (third-degree felony)
• Alteration of firearm serial numbers (class A misdemeanor)
• Receiving stolen firearms (second-degree felony)

Authorities continue their investigation, and the children’s welfare is being addressed by the appropriate services .

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keelee-mccain

Keelee McCain is a junior at Weber High School. This is her second year on staff, this year as Assistant to the Chief. She does have a life (probably) but she can't think of anything to write in here, so she's probably just going to ramble now. She has an orange cat who she likes better than any human. If you see her being quiet or not sitting on top of a desk, there is something very wrong. In her free time she enjoys harassing her favorite teachers and sleeping. Her life plans include making it through high school and leaving. Happy lifeing.

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