Fugitive meth suspect caught

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man who avoided capture during a three-pronged methamphetamine bust earlier this month was apprehended on Wednesday.

Deputy Aaron Walker arrested Billy Ray Bales, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office said.

Bales, 43, was sought for arrest after local and regional drug agents executed three simultaneous search warrants in Sagle on June 3. The raids occurred at two residences near the Westmond Store and a third residence on Blue Sky Road.

Richard Paul Laurie, 52, and 34-year-old Jolene Elaina Laurie were charged with trafficking meth via manufacturing and possession of meth after a red phosphorus meth lab was discovered in their rental apartment.

Jolene Laurie waived her right to a preliminary hearing and is scheduled to be arraigned in 1st District Court on July 6. Richard Laurie’s preliminary hearing is set for July 7.

Billy Bales and Linda LouAnn Bales, 43, are also charged with trafficking and possession. The case files against both suspects remain sealed, according to the Idaho Supreme Court Data Repository.

A fifth suspect, 42-year-old Spencer Andrew Zech, is charged with trafficking and unlawful possession of a firearm. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for July 28.