LYNDEN, Wash. — 2 people were arrested on April 25th and charged with suspicion of several narcotics and weapons crimes. Both were let out on bail 2 days later but were arrested the next day and charged with suspicion of witness tampering, burglary and assault.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by prosecutors in Whatcom County Superior Court, during the evening of April 25th, the Whatcom County Gang & Drug Task Force arrested Benjamin Vallejo, age 46, and Ashley Andrews, age 31, both of Lynden, for numerous drug and weapon charges in the 8800 block of Depot Road in Lynden after a months-long investigation.
During a search of their apartment and vehicle, detectives seized over 2.5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine and 43 grams of suspected cocaine along with a digital scale and packaging commonly used to distribute controlled substances. 2 of 3 handguns found were reported stolen. Hundreds of rounds of ammunition were also located.
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Click for more information3 young children reportedly living in the apartment were taken into protective custody and turned over to Child Protective Services.
Vallejo faces the following felony charges as a result of this arrest.
- 2 counts possession of controlled substances with intent to manufacture/deliver
- possession of Schedule I, II or IV controlled substances
- 4 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- 2 counts of possession of a stolen firearm
Andrews faces the following felony charges as a result of this arrest
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Click for more information- possession of controlled substances with intent to manufacture/deliver
- possession of Schedule I, II or IV controlled substances
- maintaining a place for controlled substance violations
- 2 counts of possession of a stolen firearm
Following a preliminary hearing, $6,000 cash bail was posted on behalf of Vallejo and $750 cash bail was posted on behalf of Andrews and they were released from custody the evening of April 27th.
On April 28th, Vallejo and Andrews reportedly arrived at a Bellingham home and accused a resident of “ratting” on them. Vallejo reportedly assaulted the man and threatened, “I’m going to kill you.” Andrews reportedly said, “I lost my kids because of you.” This incident occurred in front of members of the man’s family. When police arrived, the pair had left and the man had visible injuries from the assault.
On April 29, Vallejo and Andrews were arrested without incident at their residence in Lynden and booked back into the Whatcom County Jail.
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Click for more informationVallejo faces the following additional felony charges as a result of this latest arrest.
- intimidating a witness
- 2nd-degree assault
- 1st-degree burglary
Andrews faces the following additional felony charges as a result of this latest arrest.
- intimidating a witness
- 1st-degree burglary
As of May 6th, Vallejo and Andrews remained in custody at the jail pending being able to post bond or cash bail. The bail requirements for Andrews are $100,000 bond or $10,000 cash and $250,000 bond or cash for Vallejo.
Both have hearings in their previous court cases due to alleged violations of conditions for their release from custody.
Vallejo’s “history of violence” is noted in the affidavit. This history includes felony convictions for assault, burglary, theft, unlawful possession of firearms and possession of controlled substances. These convictions occurred in the span of time between 2000 and 2014 and appearances in court in Whatcom County and Austin and Travis Counties in Texas.