From the desk of Sheriff Bryson Meyers:
On March 19, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., deputies with the Garrett County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop along Kitzmiller Road for observed traffic violations. During the stop, the driver was identified as John Jeremy Willis, 46, of Kitzmiller, Maryland. Deputies determined Willis had two active arrest warrants issued out of Mineral County, West Virginia, including felony controlled dangerous substance (CDS) charges and a failure to appear (FTA) warrant.
The passenger initially provided deputies with a fictitious name but was later identified as Curtis Eugene Paugh Jr., 34, of Keyser, West Virginia. As Paugh exited the vehicle, deputies observed him discard an item into a nearby wooded area. A Garrett County Sheriff’s Office K9 was deployed and successfully located methamphetamine packaged for distribution. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of additional methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
In total, approximately 15 grams of methamphetamine were recovered during the investigation. Further investigation revealed Paugh also had an outstanding warrant from Shenandoah County, Virginia, for felony CDS charges. Willis and Paugh were charged with the following offenses:
John Jeremy Willis:
• Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (not cannabis)
• Related traffic violations
Curtis Eugene Paugh Jr.:
• Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
• Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance (not cannabis)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
• Making a False Statement to a Police Officer
Both individuals were transported to the Garrett County Detention Center, where they are currently being held without bond.