A Wellston man charged and described as an accomplice on drug related charges and a firearms count n December of 2022 has entered a guilty blind plea to five felonies.
Formal felony charges were filed in Lincoln County District on Dec. 9, 2022 against Michael Allen Kulp, then 40.
During the recent jury term as his trial was about to begin, Kulp entered a guilty blind plea on all five counts including trafficking in illegal drugs; unlawful possession of controlled drug with intent to distribute; acquire proceeds from drug activity; possess firearm during commission of a felony; and possess firearm after former felony conviction.
His sentencing has been scheduled for 9 a.m. March 5.
Kulp was charged three days after formal felony charges were filed in Lincoln County District Court on Dec. 6, 2022 against Debra Dawn Campbell, 59. Her charges include trafficking in illegal drugs, unlawful possession of Controlled Drug with intent to distribute, acquire proceeds from drug activity and possess firearm during commission of a felony.
In March of 2023, they were bound over to stand trial. During their arraignments on April 4 of last year before Special Judge Emily Mueller, Campbell pleaded not guilty. Kulp also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Their cases had been set for jury trial on Feb. 5 this year.
Campbell’s case is now scheduled for the next jury trial docket in June.
Lincoln County deputies served a search warrant on the attorney’s property and arrested her prior to the formal charges being filed.
A source with the Sheriff’s Office said, “It’s believed they operated in a coordinated effort.”
In a probable cause affidavit, Lincoln County Investigator Christopher Hyde states he wrote and was granted a search warrant based on information gained through an ongoing investigation on the residence and property located at 329632 E. Oakview Lane in Wellston in Lincoln County known as Campbell’s residence.
He said on that date other investigators and the Lincoln County Special Operations Team executed the search warrant around 4:40 p.m.
As officers approached the residence and knocked on the door, Hyde says he gained visual contact of Campbell through a front window. Initially, she refused to come to the front door and disobeyed orders to open the front door, he noted.
Following numerous verbal commands, Campbell reportedly opened the front door and she was removed from the residence.
Capt. Chuck Brewer stood by outside the residence with her, Hyde states, while the entry team cleared all buildings on the property.
He reported that inside her bedroom officers located multiple scales, glass smoking devices, multiple plastic bags containing what later tested to be methamphetamine and containers with marijuana inside. They also located $4,300 $1 bills, 3 $10 bills, 2 $5 bills and 17 more $1 bills. Investigators found four firearms including firearms cases inside the bedroom and closet area.