Anonymous tipster leads to drug bust in local motel

Four Panhandle residents were nabbed Friday at a local motel, after an anonymous tipster told the Washington County Sheriff’s Office that one of the women was being held against her will.

Investigators with the Washington County Drug Task Force responded to the motel to conduct a welfare check on the female subject, according to a news release from the WCSO.

On arrival investigators make contact with a male subject later identified as Michael Robbirds, 41, of Cottondale.

“With the door open to the hotel room, investigators observed a handgun, what appeared to be methamphetamine and marijuana in plain view on top of the dresser,” read the release, prompting law enforcement to detain Robbirds and three other occupants of the room for further investigation.

• Robbirds was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a weapon by a convicted Florida felon, and possession of marijuana and on an out-of-state fugitive warrant
• Mark Hudson, 52, of Bonifay, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and violation of probation.
• Jamie Finch, 46, of Chipley, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia
• Margrett McLaughlin, 45, of Graceville, was charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of new legend drug without prescription.

All four ere booked into the Washington County Jail.

“The Washington County Drug Task Force, a collaboration effort between Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Chipley Police Department, has continued to be unwavering in the work that they put in to remove these drugs from our community,” said Sheriff Kevin Crews. “I am very grateful to the team for their tireless dedication to keeping these types of people out of our county. Whether they are a resident of this county or a visitor, it will remain clear that drug use, sale, or possession is unacceptable.”

If you have any tips, or knowledge of crimes being committed, please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 850-638-6111. Or contact them anonymously by calling 850-638-TIPS (8477) or by email at tips@wcso.us.