A Ford Excursion stretch limousine awaiting auction is one of four vehicles confiscated now by Centralia’s special Anti-Crime Team from suspected drug dealer Jai J. Bhagwandin.
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A 29-year-old man arrested last month by Centralia drug officers for allegedly selling ecstasy was arrested again after two informants working with police reportedly bought $200 worth of ecstasy from him in the parking lot at Spiffy’s restaurant south of Chehalis.
Jai J. Bhagwandin, 29, was taken into custody on Friday, apprehended by law enforcement officers after he drove away following the encounter. He appeared in Lewis County Superior Court this afternoon, charged with one count of delivery of a controlled substance.
His bail was set at $100,000.
The judge was told he retained a lawyer in his previous case, but ran out of money so qualified for a public defender.
Bhagwandin has 11 pending drug offense counts in Thurston County, the judge was told.
It was March 6 when Centralia’s special Anti-Crime team seized three vehicles, cash and drugs from a Lacey home following an investigation into suspected suppliers to numerous local drug dealers.
A search of that residence turned up about two pounds of hallucinogenic mushrooms, six ounces of suspected hash, five pounds of packaged marijuana, some prescription pills and less than a pound of MDMA, also known as ecstasy or Molly, according to police, as well as a large amount of U.S. currency stored in seal-a-meal packaging.
Bhagwandin now resides in Onalaska where his mother works as an alternative health care provider; his father was present in court today, defense attorney Bob Schroeter said as he appealed for lower bail.
Lewis County Senior Deputy Prosecutor Will Halstead said further charges were expected as roughly a pound of marijuana was located in Bhagwandin’s Subaru Legacy following his recent arrest.
His arraignment is scheduled for this coming Thursday.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
I think George Carlin on the subject of ” God Given Constitutional Rights!!” was right on the money in saying ” Rights what rights!! at the absolute best we have a set of temporary privileges!!
“Sluggdeath says:
….People around here just crack me up sometimes.”
I can assure you, the feeling is mutual.
The reason he is out on bail is because here in the United States we have these things called constitutional rights, and one of those rights states that we are innocent until we are proven guilty. That bieng said if you want to take away everyone’s rights including your own then by all means lock him up!! Im even for apublicc execution on a drug offense what do you all think. Who needs rights anymore.
Gee, I missed the part indicating he was a minority, cuz there are no white “thugs” slingin dope to Lewis County children. Are people really that stupid?
His mother was present. She is a Alternative Health Care person. Well since MDMA is a healthy alternative to……. Either way I call this a family tradition.
What the hell? 11 pending charges and he’s out doin the same crap again? ecstacy is just as dangerous if not more so then meth heroin and cocaine. its time the system gets its crap together also and makes it harder for these dealers to get out and get away with selling drugs to people.
Just another minority thug slangin’ dope to our youth. Throw the book at him.
On the upside atleast hes not peddling herion, cocaine or meth.
yyaarrgghh!!! We should roust up a mob, and tar and feather the scallywag!! Then to the stocks with him!! That will tame this savage monster!! ……… People around here just crack me up sometimes. “Why is this guy on the streets… yada yada yada. You would think people would be a little more worried about transient sex offenders D.O.C lost track of, or that Taser first, ask questions late..r megalomaniac ex public servant I’ve been reading so much about lately. Just saying.
LWhy is this guy on the streets 11 charges pending that he must be out on bail
Now picked up on more charges and their setting
Bail? Why not keep him locked up are not condistions one
Must follow when on bail isnt bail revoked if u are arrested ?