The investigation into a burned 2008 Mercedes-Benz has led to the arrest of five people by the Geary County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Tony Wolf said authorities responded to a K-244 Highway location about 5:30 a.m. Tuesday for the report of the burned Mercedes-Benz. The investigation revealed the car had been burned intentionally, and led to the arrest of Jennifer Grosser, Abilene and Brandon Johnson, Junction City on suspicion of Arson With Intent to Defraud, Conspiracy to Commit Arson, Felony Criminal Damage to Property, and Felony Interference With Law Enforcement.

On Wednesday the Geary County / Junction City S.W.A.T team executed a search warrant at 1101 Cannonview  Lane, Apartment 12 in Grandview Plaza in connection with the arson investigation. As a result of the search warrant, Holly Smith, Grandview Plaza was arrested on suspicion of Felony Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell and Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Forgary Smith and Algernon Trice, Grandview Plaza were later located and arrested on suspicion of Felony Possession of Marijuana With Intent to Sell, Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Arson With Intent to Defraud, Conspiracy to Commit Arson and Felony Criminal Damage to Property. Algernon Trice was also arrested on suspicion of Felony Trafficking Contraband into a Correctional Institution.

Wolf explained this involved an alleged drug ring. “Well they were all a ring of individuals that were selling marijuana and other illicit drugs here in the area. During the course of the investigation this came to the surface, and we took action.”

The Sheriff issued the information on the case Thursday morning.