During the early morning hours of Monday, July 2, deputies of the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by officers from the Buena Vista and Salida police departments, executed a search warrant at 16160 CR 306 west of Buena Vista. Acting on information obtained through an earlier investigation, officers seized substantial quantities of suspected illegal substances and cash.  Two firearms were also confiscated. 

James Gerhardt, 62, the occupant of the house and present at the time of the search, was arrested. He was lodged at the Chaffee County Detention Center on charges of possession of Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 controlled substances and illegal possession of a firearm by a previous offender, all felonies; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a petty offense. Gerhardt was later released after posting a $15,000 bond.

Investigation into related criminal activity involving illegal drugs is continuing.