Arrests were made this week following an investigation kicked off by an anonymous tip to local law enforcement in December. The anonymous person reported that they had observed a clear container in a Uintah County home with about 1,000 blue Fentanyl pills in it. According to the Affidavit of Probable Cause, the homeowner is 30-year-old Jessica Rae Gardiner who was arrested on February 22nd on 9 felony charges and many misdemeanors. The investigation revealed a trend of short stay traffic visits each day to Gardiner’s home. On February 22nd, a traffic stop was performed on a vehicle leaving the home. Approximately 500 Fentanyl pills were in the vehicle, as well as Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Powder. 34-year-old Johnny Derek Nielson was also observed leaving the residence in Gardiner’s vehicle and he was detained. Gardiner was contacted to come claim her vehicle and she was then detained. When interviewed, Nielson said he had lived at Gardiner’s home for a few weeks and knew there were illegal drugs inside the residence. Gardiner told officers that she had helped people to prevent them from getting sick and sold illegal narcotics. Two juvenile females were inside the residence on the day of the arrests and it was reported that they visit Nielson at the residence every other weekend. The search warrant revealed large quantities of cash, approximately 2,000 Fentanyl pills, Fentanyl Powder, Methamphetamine, heroin, Psilocybin Mushrooms, Marijuana, prescription medications, and scales. Firearms were also located.
