Law enforcement investigators arrest suspect in Helper drug case

By Sun Advocate

An individual with a felony record in three states was arrested last Wednesday morning in Helper on drug charges.
Earl Wayne Lewis, 51, was taken into custody at the Helper Hotel after a search of the man’s room at the establishment reportedly revealed suspected drugs and paraphernalia in his possession.
“We had a tip that advised us about this individual and his activities,” indicated Helper Police Chief George Zamantakis. “Because of that tip and other information, we were able to secure a search warrant the afternoon of Feb. 19 and executed at 2:40 a.m. the next morning.”
Upon investigation, the officers in the case, which included members of the Helper Police, Carbon County Sheriff’s Department and the Carbon Drug Metro Task Force, found that Lewis has apparently gone by several alias’ and used several Social Security numbers as well.
“All these names and numbers were linked together however, in one way or another,” stated Zamantakis.
According to law enforcement officials, Lewis has a record of various felony convictions in three states, including Nevada, Missouri and Utah.
When the search was executed, the officers purportedly found suspected methamphetamine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The suspect was arrested and booked into the county jail on charges of possession of meth with intent to distribute. The incident was reported as an enhanced crime based on the fact the subject’s residence was within 1,000 feet of a park. He was also booked on possession of marijuana.
During the investigation, contact was reportedly made with Beverly Nairmore, 34, who also lived at the hotel. She gave the police consent to search her living quarters and they reportedly found drug paraphernalia . Nairmore was cited and released.
“This is another good example of police agencies working together,” said Zamantakis referring to the joint effort in arresting the subjects. “We just want people who deal in drugs to understand that we all want to eliminate these problems from our communities and that all the police agencies in the county will cooperate to do that anytime we can.”