LARNED – A man and woman formerly of Greeley, Colo., received separate televideo conference first appearances Thursday on drug possession and other charges in Pawnee County District Court.
Pawnee County Attorney Douglas McNett reported that Bobbie A. Solko, 43, and Tyler James Smith, 37, appeared Thursday before Magistrate Judge Julie Cowell on charges of uttering, which is the intentional passing of counterfeit currency.
Solko is charged with attempted aggravated battery of a county law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, alternatively felony interference by resisting arrest; possession of methamphetamine; conspiracy to distribute counterfeit currency; possession of marijuana, second offense; possession of drug paraphernalia; and transporting an open container.
Smith is charged with traffic in controlled substance contraband in a correctional facility; possession of drug paraphernalia; distribution of counterfeit currency; conspiracy to distribute counterfeit currency; theft by deception, less than $1,500; possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
McNett noted the charges stem from an investigation by the Larned Police Department regarding fake $100 bills being presented at two Larned retail establishments on May 27. The Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the investigation and later initiated a traffic stop on the suspect’s vehicle. The county’s K-9 was deployed during the stop and made indications of possible controlled substances. The couple was arrested at the scene without incident.
During the booking process, Solko is alleged to have attempted to gain control of a deputy’s service weapon, resulting in the use of physical force by PCSO staff to take Solko to the floor.
On Thursday, Judge Cowell advised the defendants of their charges, the possible penalties if convicted, and their constitutional rights, including their right to counsel. Counsel was appointed and separate preliminary hearings have been scheduled.
Solko is being held at the Barton County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond. Smith is being held at the Pawnee County Jail in lieu of $25,000 bond.
By Mike Gilmore, Larned
