Person of interest in 'overdose death investigation' found in possession of heroin

IRON COUNTY, Utah (KUTV) — A woman is facing charges after officers identified her as a person of interest in an overdose death investigation and found she was in possession of heroin, needles and a scale.

Betty L. Peterson, 60, was arrested on two counts of distribution/offering/arranging for distribution of a controlled substance, a first-degree felony; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, a first-degree felony; obstruction of justice, a third-degree felony; use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor; and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class B misdemeanor.

On Monday, agents with the Iron/Garfield/Beaver Narcotics Task Force obtained a search warrant at Peterson's home, the affidavit states.

When officers arrived, they said they were greeted by Peterson's voice asking who was there.

The officers responded, “Police search warrant,” and attempted entry.

When officers broke the door open enough to see through, they said they saw Peterson run away and enter the master bedroom.

“The toilet was heard filling,” the affidavit states, which officers said was due to Peterson's “intervention in the investigation by potentially removing evidence.”

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An officer attempted to place Peterson's arms behind her back, but the affidavit said she “continued to tense and twist her body.”

Peterson's daughter Kelly Snyder was also found and arrested.

The affidavit states that a “large quantity” of brown cotton was found throughout the home, and Snyder reportedly confirmed it was heroin.

Loaded and used hypodermic needles were also found throughout the house.

During an extensive search of the kitchen, the affidavit says officers found an electronic scale and other heroin-related paraphernalia.

Peterson's Story

Peterson had previously been identified as a person of interest in an ongoing overdose death investigation.

Peterson allegedly sent text messages to a suspect arrested earlier in the day, indicating that she had driven to Mesquite in the morning and turned around within 10 minutes before returning.

“This is typical of (Peterson) who has traveled to Mesquite in the past to pick up illegal narcotics,” the affidavit states.

During Snyder's questioning, police said they asked if Peterson gave her the heroin in her room because she was “sick on drugs.”

Snyder responded that Peterson “got it from someone in Mesquite,” the affidavit states.

Peterson was booked into the Iron County Jail on the aforementioned charges.

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