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DRUG ARREST

4/15/25

On Saturday, at approximately 12:07 am, a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle near Highway 45 and Marigold Lane.  The vehicle failed to stop immediately and continued westbound on Marigold Lane approximately .5 miles before stopping.

During the course of the stop, deputies observed suspicious movements from a passenger that was consistent with someone attempting to conceal contraband.  K-9 Chief was deployed to conduct a free air sniff of the vehicle which indicated the presence of narcotics.  A search of the vehicle was conducted and a substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine was located in the vehicle.  It was determined during the stop that the driver’s driving privileges were suspended.  Both individuals were taken into custody.

The female passenger was transported to a nearby jail, due to the suspicion that the passenger had contraband concealed on her person, for use of a body scanner.  During the transport the passenger attempted to conceal multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine in the back seat of the squad car.  Upon the completion of the scan, there was evidence of an object being concealed by the passenger.  That object was later determined to be another bag of suspected methamphetamine and was turned over to law enforcement by the passenger.  Law Enforcement recovered approximately 5.7 ounces of suspected methamphetamine and an undisclosed amount of cash.

As a result of this investigation Nathan E. Yarnell, 34, of Flora, was arrested for Driving on a Suspended License and was later given a Notice to Appear (per the “Safety Act”).  Amber N. Galbraith, 36, of Flora, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine more than 100 grams with the Intent to Deliver.  Galbraith is currently incarcerated in the Clay County Jail.  

Sheriff Andy Myers said “Methamphetamine is commonly sold and bought in one-gram increments with a street value of $100 per gram.  This arrest was a joint effort with the Southeastern Illinois Drug Task Force and Clay County State’s Attorney Phil Givens.”

The charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.