Unattended Children Lead Police To A Drug Bust

Sunday Richmond Police were called to the Red Roof Inn off Foxhaven Drive, to investigate 2 children that were left unattended. Police found the children in the lobby with two adult strangers that were taking care of them.

The father identified as Brian Lewis, 34, was found unconscious by the swimming pool. Police say when Lewis was awakened he was “very dazed” with reddened, glassy eyes, slurred speech and an unsteady.Police noted in the arrest report the children could have easily fallen into the pool without Lewis being aware.

Police say Lewis led them to the motel room where they found Valarie Gabbard, 29, of Berea. During the time police were in the room, Lewis’ wife Melissa Lewis, 29, returned from buying groceries.

Both Brian and Melissa gave consent for police to search the room, where they uncovered synthetic marijuana, methamphetamine, a syringe and three smoking pipes. Police say all would have been easily accessible to the children.

During the investigation, Gabbard was taken to the hallway for questioning, when an officer reported seeing here drop something and cover it with her foot. The item was a small bag containing 32 pills. A search by a female officer also uncovered marijuana and nine Paroxetine pills.

Brian Lews was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree controlled substance possession (methamphetamine) and drug paraphernalia possession.

Melissa Lewsis was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree controlled substance possession (methamphetamine), drug paraphernalia possession and synthetic marijuana possession.

Gabbard was charged with evidence tampering, illegal legend drug possession and marijuana possession.