Weatherford, OK – A Missouri man has been charged with trafficking in illegal drugs following an investigation stemming from the discovery of suspected methamphetamine at a Weatherford hotel.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Custer County District Court, James Mitchell Studdard was charged with one count of trafficking in illegal drugs, methamphetamine, a Class B3 felony. An outstanding warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Court records state the investigation began after several welfare checks involving Studdard at a Weatherford hotel on Aug. 17. Studdard had checked into the hotel on Aug. 15 and was scheduled to check out Aug. 17.

According to the affidavit, authorities responded to the hotel three times that day for welfare checks. During the final response, Studdard was found lying on a sidewalk and was later transported to a hospital.

The following morning, Aug. 18, hotel staff cleaning the room Studdard had occupied reportedly found a plastic bag wrapped in a towel inside a bathroom drawer. The bag was secured and law enforcement was contacted.

Investigators alleged the bag contained a white crystalline substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed approximately 54.30 grams.

The affidavit states additional crystalline material was collected from an ottoman inside the room. That substance reportedly tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl and weighed approximately 10.63 grams.

According to the affidavit, hotel key records indicated the room had remained secured after Studdard vacated it until housekeeping entered the following morning.

Studdard was formally charged Sept. 22 in Custer County District Court. Prosecutors allege he knowingly possessed more than 20 grams of methamphetamine. The charge carries a potential punishment of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $25,000.

The charge is an allegation, and Studdard is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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