BIG CREEK W.Va. (Hinton News) – The Summers County Sheriff’s Department released the following information:
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at approximately 8:00 AM, Sheriff J.L. Faris conducted a traffic stop on Big Creek Road involving a vehicle occupied by two individuals. During this stop, Sheriff Faris identified the need for further investigation into potential drug-related activity. Deputy J.L. Farmer arrived on the scene to provide assistance.
During the investigation, a significant quantity of methamphetamine was discovered inside the vehicle. As a result, Sheriff Faris and Deputy Farmer arrested Billie Jo Pettry, age 42, of Hinton, and Joshua Akers, age 38, of Pearisburg, VA, on charges of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Both individuals were later arraigned in Summers County Magistrate Court and transported to the Southern Regional Jail to await further legal proceedings.
On the same day, Sheriff Faris received additional information that led to a subsequent drug investigation. A search warrant was obtained for a residence located on Summers Street in Hinton, WV. The execution of this warrant involved coordination among Sheriff Faris, Chief Deputy T.S. Adkins, Deputy J.L. Farmer, Deputy T.A. Withrow, and Deputy L.A. Harvey, with assistance from Chief J. Crawford and Patrolman K. Higginbotham of the Hinton Police Department.
During the search, authorities recovered methamphetamine and fentanyl, along with various items that suggested illegal drug distribution. Several firearms were also confiscated from the residence. Jeffrey Gill, 45, of Hinton, was taken into custody and transported to the Summers County Appalachian Regional Hospital for a medical evaluation. Mr. Gill is prohibited from possessing a firearm. The investigation is ongoing, and further developments and appropriate charges are expected as we continue to look into this incident.
We would like to recognize each deputy and city officer for their combined effort in these investigations. It is truly a great group of men that demonstrate empicable team work.
Thank you!
Chief Deputy T.S. Adkins
***All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.***
