On Friday, Feb. 2, just after midnight, a deputy with the Barton County Sheriff’s Office stopped a 2010 Mercedes-Benz for a traffic violation. The location of the stop was on US 56 Highway, just inside the east city limits of Great Bend. The driver was identified as Paul Scott Ringering, age 54 of Ellinwood.
The Sheriff’s deputy became suspicious of potential drug activity and Sheriff’s Office K9 Maxx was called to the scene. Maxx indicated the presence of controlled substances. Further investigation revealed marijuana and methamphetamine inside the vehicle. Ringering was placed under arrest and transported to the Barton County Jail. During the course of the booking process it was found Ringering had more methamphetamine as well as cocaine concealed on his person.
Ringering was booked into the Barton County Jail on requested charges of possession of controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia, distribution of controlled substances as well as trafficking contraband into a correctional facility.
Ringering remains in the Barton County Jail in lieu of a $50,000 bond.