Man to be arraigned for drugs, abuse

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November 10, 2009

A Tahlequah man is expected to make his initial arraignment today on drug possession and child abuse charges.

Levi Hammer, 27, was formally charged Monday with child abuse by injury, possession of controlled drug, and possession of paraphernalia. Charges were filed following a Tahlequah PD investigation.

Prosecutors say Hammer not only had methamphetamine in his possession, but he also left it where a minor child could get to the substance and ingest it. The child is identified in court documents by initials to protect the identity.

The incident allegedly occurred Oct. 23.

Hammer denied officers’ request for permission to search the house without a warrant. The officers obtained a search warrant and recovered pills; white residue; a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana; and paraphernalia.

The child abuse count is punishable by up to life in prison or up to a year in jail and/or a fine of $500 to $5,000. The possession count is punishable by imprisonment for two to 10 years and the paraphernalia count is punishable by imprisonment for up to a year and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Hammer’s bond was previously set at $60,000. Assistant District Attorney Josh King is prosecuting the case.

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