Man Arrested After Search Warrant Uncovers Drugs, Firearms

A drug-related search warrant on Nov. 20 led to the arrest of a Crawford County man allegedly in possession of drugs and firearms.

Ricky L. Black Jr., 43, Cuba, has been charged with possession of a controlled substance, two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and a misdemeanor count of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.

The Lake Area Narcotics Enforcement Group and Crawford County Sheriff’s Office executed the warrant. 

According to the probable cause statement, law enforcement officers went to Black's residence, located in the 400 block of South Prairie Street, during the late morning hours.

Upon arrival, officers made contact with Black at the entrance of the residence. Once the property was secured, Black was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak. During the interview, Black admitted to possessing drug paraphernalia related to methamphetamine and fentanyl, specifically referring to a bedroom he described as “the room he gets high in.”

A thorough search of the bedroom revealed approximately 20 used fentanyl capsules, numerous glass smoking devices with heavy residue, digital scales, snorting devices, baggies, spoons with residue, and syringes—items typically associated with the use of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Additionally, officers discovered two loaded firearms: a Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol found under a pillow and a single-shot shotgun located beneath the mattress. 

Black denied ownership of the weapons and claimed ignorance of their presence, despite other documentation, including debit cards in his name, found on the same mattress.

Upon reviewing Black's criminal history, officers confirmed that he is a convicted felon, which makes possession of any firearms a criminal offense. Field tests conducted on the paraphernalia found in the residence returned positive for the presence of methamphetamine.

Black was arrested and transported to the Crawford County Adult Detention Facility, where he was placed on a 24-hour hold pending the filing of formal charges.