Reno County Sheriff’s detectives identified another participant in last weekends robbery case.

Based upon the ongoing investigation, detectives arrested Joseph Russell early Thursday morning for aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, criminal threat, burglary to a vehicle, felony theft and misdemeanor criminal damage to property.

His bond was set at $35,750.00. He did make a court appearance Thursday morning where he was told of the potential charges against him.

Reno County Sheriff’s Officials were called to Hutchinson Regional Medical for the report from the victim, Jerry Ferguson. He had been taken to the 11th and Hendricks fire station prior to being transported to the hospital, where he told firefighters that he had been beaten and robbed.

That led to the arrest of 28-year-old Jeffrey Yeakel of 1701 North Wilson Rd.. He was jailed on a bond of 46-thousand, 250-dollars on charges of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, possession of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sara McAllaster of the same address was arrested for possession of meth and possession of drug paraphernalia. Her bond is $10,500.00. She also has a hold on her from Rice Co., and the bond in that case is $25,000.00

Both made a first appearance on the charges Tuesday morning where Magistrate Judge Randy McEwen he set a status hearing on the charges for September 12.

The case against the two starts on Friday when Yeakel allegedly hired Ferguson to do some yard work. At some point, Ferguson went into Yeakel’s home to get a drink and while inside, he was offered some methamphetamine. He apparently declined leading to Yeakel allegedly pointing a revolver at his head and cocked the hammer and told him to use the drug. He told law enforcement that he tried to leave but was struck with the gun in the face. He also reports being hit with a crowbar and some type of steel pipe. He says while that was occurring, he felt someone reaching into his pocket and taking his wallet. He claims he had 700-dollars inside.

He says someone also got into his truck and stole a woman’s ring, a welder, and two angle grinders. He was also told that if he contacted the cops about any of this, Zeakel would, “take care of his whole family.”

Sheriff officials then obtained a search warrant after the incident on Friday and served it Sunday where they allegedly found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Erik Pettay and Michael Deshazo, both of Hutchinson had active warrants on unrelated charges and were also taken into custody.