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Hutch man bound over for trial in drug and sexual exploitation case

A Hutchinson man was bound over for trial Wednesday in one three cases against him, while he waived a preliminary hearing in another.

Timothy Mendenhall was arrested back on November 17, after the Reno County Drug Enforcement Unit served a drug related search warrant at T-J’s Smoke Shop at 1108 W 4th.

Mendenhall is charged with a number of charges including sexual exploitation of a child, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to distribute, possession of personal use drug paraphernalia, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal use of a weapon and no tax stamp. A few of the other charges were dropped or amended during the hearing Wednesday.

Officials say they found approximately 100-individual containers of potpourri with the illegal JWH compound, marijuana, residue in several vials that field tested positive for cocaine as well as a green leafy substance they knew was marijuana, numerous pipes with burnt marijuana residue inside, and several small baggies that had a marijuana leaf printed on the outside.

Inside the area where Mendenhall was living, officers found a wooden brief case, and inside was a home made photo album with pictures of what they say appeared to be naked young females in inappropriate positions.

The shotgun with a barrel less then 18-inches along other rifles were allegedly found in his Ford Bronco, sitting outside the business.

Mendenhall waived his preliminary hearing in a flee and elude case, meaning it may also go to trial.

The hearing on the third case, interference with law enforcement was continued because a prosecution witness was not available.

Mendenhall has served time in prison for unlawful sexual relations with a child, and possession of drugs for cases going back to 2003 and 2004.

Arraignment in the two cases will be in front of Judge Tim Chambers on June 4.

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