Waitress Finds Meth Instead of Money as a Tip, Couple Arrested on Drug Charges

An Oregon couple has been arrested on drug charges for possessing and manufacturing meth after they reportedly left the drug, instead of money, as a tip for a waitress.

Beaverton resident Ryan L. Benson, 40, and Cascade Locks resident Erica A. Manley, 37, had a few drinks at the Seaside coastal steakhouse Twisted Fish. When they paid for their drinks, the waitress – whose identity is not being publicized – picked up their check and found an envelope containing a crystal-like substance.

After the waitress reported the incident, police arrived and tested the package, which was positive for methamphetamines. Officers then arrested Manley and Benson, and found more meth in Manley’s purse. Officers also searched the couple’s motel room and car, and found what they referred to as a “stockpile of methamphetamine,” as well as certain items indicating that the couple intended to deliver the drugs.

Benson and Manley were both arrested on drug charges including possession and manufacture of methamphetamines, and Manley was also charged with delivery of methamphetamines.

All evidence seized has been sent to the Oregon state crime lab for analysis. Benson and Manley were booked into the Clatsop County Jail and await arraignment for the drug charges.

Drug Charges for Possession, Manufacture, and Distribution in South Carolina

Distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and the manufacturing of any drugs are all in conjunction with the same statute, with penalties that may differ based on the associated drug.

Possession with the intent to distribute will be determined based on weight. A finding of greater than one ounce of marijuana or one gram of cocaine will take you from a simple possession charge to possession with intent to distribute.

In order to make a conviction, the prosecution must prove this intent to distribute which can be shown in a variety of ways. Evidence such as baggies, packaging of the drug and any statements made by the defendant that were recorded can be used, combined with the weight of the drug in question, to prove intent to distribute.

During a jury trial, you can be found not guilty of the charge or guilty of a lesser offense of simple possession. There are also circumstances when a lack of evidence might cause the prosecution to reduce the charge to simple possession as well.

If you are arrested and have a prior drug conviction, you potentially face a mandatory prison sentence in both State and Federal Court. If you are convicted of any drug charge, another drug offense charge regardless of the charge will be a second drug offense, even if the drugs or charges involved differ from the first offense.

The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Methamphetamine and Other Drug Charges

Whether you have been charged with:

• Possession of drugs
• Possession with intent to distribute
• Drug trafficking
• Possession of drugs in the proximity of a school
• Prescription Fraud
• Manufacturing Methamphetamine or
• Money laundering

The drug crime attorneys at Strom Law Firm, LLC will aggressively defend your case whether you are under investigation or have been arrested for drugs in all State and Federal Courts in South Carolina as well as the Federal Courts in Georgia. Drug charges, including meth lab busts, need to be examined from every angle, and in many cases are subject to mandatory minimum sentences. Aggressive representation can protect your future. Drug crime charges and drug busts in South Carolina are very serious. If you have been charged with possession, trafficking, or manufacturing drugs, the attorneys at the Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today by calling (803)252-4800.