Press release
A Mabank man was arrested Monday night and charged with possession of suspected methamphetamines and items commonly used in the distribution of the illegal drug, Henderson County Sheriff Botie Hillhouse Tuesday.
Michael Ray Heiny, 36, was the passenger in a black Dodge truck traveling on County Road 2919 in Eustace.
Lead Narcotics Investigator Kay Langford and Investigators Josh Rickman and Brad Beddingfield stopped the truck for a traffic violation.
A search of the vehicle was conducted and the investigators found the crystal like substance and other items in a bag with Heiny’s belongings.
“We educate, we confiscate, and finally we incarcerate,” Hillhouse said. “That’s where this road ends for everyone who does not make the right choice and get off drugs or has them for others. If we must make our stand here in Henderson County, so be it. I will not tolerate drugs in any amount – large or small – in this County.”
Heiny was taken into custody, transported to the Henderson County Jail and charged with a state jail felony. Henderson County Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Judge Randy Daniel, set bond at $8,500. If convicted, Heiny faces not more than 2 years and not less than 180 days in state jail. He also faces a fine of up to $10,000.
Since Hillhouse began his war on drugs after taking office in June, he and his Deputies have made more than 700 arrests – mostly leading to illegal drug possession or distribution.
They have raided drug houses, motels, pulled over vehicles and stopped people on the streets with illegal drugs.
“Clearly, methamphetamine is the most prevalent illegal street drug in our area and it is also one of the most devastating,” he said. “But we are fighting it every day of my tenure.”