Local, state authorities arrest pair in drug investigation searches

BEATRICE – Search warrants served simultaneously at two north Beatrice motels resulted in the arrests of two people on drug violations.

Gage County Sheriff’s officers, Beatrice Police and a Nebraska State Patrol Drug unit served the warrants last Friday morning as part of an ongoing investigation into methamphetamine distribution in Gage County.

Authorities found meth and drug paraphernalia during the searches, and two people were arrested.

45-year-old John Helter was arrested on suspicion of meth possession and possession with intent to distribute the drug, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug money and child neglect.

42-year-old Amber Hernandez was arrested for possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Law officers said a six-year-old child was found in one of the rooms along with the mother of the child. Authorities cited Cierra Goin for alleged child neglect.