3 charged with variety of drug offenses

The Tri-Agency Task Force, fighting illegal drugs in Hill County, delivered early Christmas gifts to three local drug makers and takers in the form of warrants for their arrests.

The task force kicked off the week with the bust of a marijuana growing operation in North Havre. Monday, 32-year-old Russell Williams Jr. and 28-year-old Danielle Williams were arrested on charges of manufacturing drugs, possession of drugs and endangering the welfare of children.

The couple were found with 23 marijuana plants in their northside home. Both are in the Hill County Detention Center awaiting formal charges from the Hill County Attorney. Each is being held on $50,000 bond.

Officer C. J. Reichelt from the task force said this week that none of the plants grown on the Williams property were authorized in any way by a medical marijuana prescription. It was merely recreational, though in such quantities, likely headed for distribution.

At the other end of the week, the task force concluded a weeks-long investigation with the arrest of Philip James Fox, a 31-year-old employee of a Havre group home.

The investigation began with calls to the Havre Police Department, reporting missing prescriptions.

Fox was arrested on two felony counts of exploitation of a developmentally disabled person, two felony counts of drug possession, two felony counts of criminal endangerment and two misdemeanor theft charges.

Reichelt said that they found no indication that Fox was selling the prescriptions he sold, or using them for anything more than his own amusement.

Fox is also being held in the Hill County Detention Center, awaiting formal charges. He is being held on $25,000 bond.