A two-time convicted robbery felon was arrested Wednesday after Owensboro Police executed a search warrant that uncovered fentanyl and other drugs along with weapons and cash, according to the Owensboro Police Department.
William Merriweather, 27, was taken into custody on March 26 after members of OPD’s Street Crimes Unit (SCU) and Emergency Response Team conducted a search in the 1300 block of Gardendale Avenue. Police said the search was the result of an “in-depth investigation” by SCU that identified Merriweather as a suspect in the trafficking of suspected fentanyl.
According to OPD, detectives seized suspected fentanyl pills, synthetic marijuana, drug paraphernalia, more than $1,000 in cash, a 9mm handgun, and an AR-style rifle during the search.
Merriweather was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance (carfentanil or fentanyl) with a penalty enhancement, trafficking in synthetic drugs with a penalty enhancement, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia, OPD said.
According to police, Merriweather was previously convicted in 2017 on multiple felony charges, including two counts of first-degree robbery, one count of second-degree robbery, one count of receiving stolen property (firearm), and one count of promoting contraband. The convictions resulted in a 16-year sentence.
