Missoula Police Crack Down on Drug Crimes, Arrest Two Men

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 13, 2024, at approximately 11:46 p.m., Missoula Police Department Officers responded to a location on Broadway Street after receiving a report that a witness observed a female performing “oral sex” on a male. The witness described the clothing and height of both involved parties. An officer located a male and female matching the description near the location provided by the witness.  

An officer made contact with both parties and the male was identified as 52-year-old James Dempsey. Dempsey had an active warrant out of Lake County. The officer arrested Dempsey and placed him in handcuffs.  

The officer asked Dempsey if he had anything sharp on his person. Dempsey stated he had needles in a sunglasses case in his satchel. Dempsey agreed to let the officer search the items he was wearing. The officer located the sunglasses case and observed multiple needles and a glass smoking pipe inside.  

The officer also located a clear baggie containing a white, crystalline substance. The officer recognized the substance as methamphetamine and A NIK test confirmed his suspicions. Dempsey is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.  

Same Crime on the Same Day 

On June 13, 2024, in an unrelated incident, MPD Officers assisted Probation and Parole with a search of a residence where 48-year-old Teuray Cornell was staying. Probation and Parole told the officer that their search of Cornell’s belongings revealed multiple blue “M 30” pills.  

The officer opened the nightstand drawers next to Cornell’s bed. Inside, he found Cornell’s ID, a scale, a wad of cash, and thirteen blue “M 30” pills. The officer knows that these pills are consistent with fentanyl. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The officer helped search the rest of Cornell’s room. He located butane torch lighters, multiple tooter straws, two glass pipes with black residue, a clear baggie with white residue, and 9mm ammunition. According to court documents, Cornell denied possessing dangerous drugs.  

Cornell was placed under arrest and was transported to the jail. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.