SWAT search leads to drug, theft charges

Investigators have charged a Maryville man with drug and theft charges after a search of his home allegedly uncovered stolen vehicles and possible forged titles. Booking information says Michael Duane Wingo, 55, Bolinger Road, was arrested Friday, May 17, and released hours later on bonds totaling $100,000.

He has been charged with two counts of theft, possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a firearm during the commission of a dangerous felony and maintaining a dwelling where drugs are used or sold. Wingo’s booking information can be found in the Monday, May 20 edition of The Daily Times, although deputies said additional charges could be forthcoming.

According to a release from BCSO, SWAT deputies searched Wingo’s home Friday alongside Sheriff’s Office investigators and agents of the 5th Judicial District Drug Task Force. They also searched a “nearby building on Bolinger Road” as part of an investigation into reports of his involvement with stolen vehicles, forged titles and falsified VINs.

Deputies said they found a 2023 Harley Davidson motorcycle reported stolen in February and a 2013 Cadillac sedan reported stolen out of Carter County. They also towed “multiple vehicles that did not have valid VIN plates to verify ownership as well as some vehicles with possible forged titles.”

BCSO noted Wingo’s drug possession charge was related to “mushrooms.”

Wingo was arrested at 3:23 p.m. the same day and released at 12:35 a.m. Saturday. He is pending a 9 a.m. May 24 hearing in Blount County General Sessions Court. Deputies also cited 26-year-old Jamie Cheyenne Walker on charges of simple possession of Gabapentin and possession of drug paraphernalia.