McMinnville Tow Truck Driver Arrested For Dealing Drugs - 02/01/21

In December of 2020 the McMinnville Police Department received information that a local tow truck driver, Richard Howlett Sr., 53 years old, from McMinnville, was involved in criminal activities including the distribution of methamphetamine. 

The McMinnville Police Department applied for and received a wiretap warrant, which allowed them to audio tape conversations with Howlett.  Over the course of the next three weeks an informant, working at the direction of McMinnville PD officers, purchased a quantity of methamphetamine from Howlett three separate times.   The total quantity of methamphetamine purchased was more than two ounces.  All these transactions occurred while Howlett was either operating the tow truck or at his place of employment.  

A subsequent search of Howlett’s tow truck and place of employment yielded another 8 ounces of methamphetamine and over $1,500  cash.  The owners of the tow company were cooperative during the investigation.  

On 1/30/2021 Howlett was arrested, charged, and lodged at the Yamhill County Jail on the following charges:

Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine, 3 counts, Class B felony

Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance Commercial Drug Offense, 3 counts, Class C Felony

Additional charges are pending.  If you have any information regarding criminal activity involving this individual, please contact Sgt. Cully Desmond at the McMinnville Police Department at 503-434-7307.