Digital Forensics Dispatch

Duo Arrested Due to Evidence Found on Cellphones

January 23, 2020

Don Reid of The Daily Reporter reports that two Branch County (MI) men were arrested after evidence to plan and commit crimes was discovered on their cellphones. In response to a break in on January 12 at the America’s Best Car Wash, Quincy Police officer Estrada noticed that the door had been forced open. Through the use of a K-9 unit, the police were able to locate a parked car where Joshua Montgomery and Ray Hyde were found. Police discovered each man possessed a glass pipe which tested positive for meth. The car belonging to Montgomery was searched and additional drug paraphernalia was found as well as a bag containing 6.4 grams of meth. Montgomery admitted to selling meth and originally denied knowledge of the break in. Police seized the phones of both men on the scene. Analysis of the devices turned up evidence in text messages of the two planning several break ins to take money from businesses. A computer was also examined in the case where evidence was found that there were plans to travel to Battle Creek, MI to pick up drugs.

Montgomery was charged with possession with intent to deliver and using a computer to commit the felony, which both carry a term of 20-years. Additionally, he was charged with using a computer device to plan break-ins, conspiracy to break and enter a building, possession of burglary tools, and breaking into the car wash, all the charges carrying terms of 10-years. Prior convictions on Montgomery’s record could lead to a term of life in prison.

Hyde was charged with possession of meth, using a computer device to plan break-ins, conspiracy to break and enter a building, possession of burglary tools, and breaking in to the car wash, all which carry 10-year terms. Hyde was also charged as a habitual offender due to prior convictions of child abuse and possession of a firearm in commission of a felony, doubling his penalty.

Bond for both men was set at $100,000 each.

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