Former officer pleads guilty to drug charges

HENDERSON COUNTY — Former Payne Springs police officer Jonathan Hutchison pleaded guilty to charges on Monday. According to our news partner KETK, on Monday, Hutchison pleaded guilty to his charges of manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance as part of an open plea. The court said that a charge of money laundering is being considered.

In March of 2023, Hutchison, alongside former Payne Springs Chief of Police April Meadows, were arrested after search warrants revealed controlled substances in their homes. At the time of their arrest Sheriff Botie Hillhouse said that there was no evidence that they had taken previously seized drugs but that they were dealing drugs. They were both arrested and charged with manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance and money laundering.

Meadows is currently set to face trial on June 24.