Alleged cell phone theft leads to arrest of two W’burg residents on drug charges

The alleged theft of a cell phone led police to the arrest of two Williamsburg residents on drug charges Thursday evening.

Williamsburg Police Officer Brandon White charged Alishia Marie McElfresh Helbig, 34, of 59 Johnny Miller Road, with theft by unlawful taking, first-degree possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana and use/possession of drug paraphernalia.

White also charged Paul H. Fritts, 59, of 142 W 92W Lot 24, with possession of marijuana.

White’s investigation began after receiving a call concerning the alleged theft of a cell phone at the Huddle house, according to an arrest citation.

A witness gave White Helbig’s name and her vehicle description. He found Helbig at the Williamsburg Motel in room 210, according to her arrest citation.

White got consent to search the room and found the stolen phone under a bed. He also found two parts of a marijuana cigarette in the room, rolling papers, and two yellow pills, according to the arrest citation.

Fritts was sitting on the bed in room 210 when police arrived and a small amount of marijuana was found on the table beside the bed in plain view, White wrote on the arrest citation.

Both were arrested about 8:37 p.m. Thursday.

Helbig is being held in the Whitley County Detention Center in lieu of a $7,500 cash bond.

Fritts was released from jail on a $5,000 surety bond.