A Sylva resident is confronting multiple felony charges following an encounter with law enforcement where she was reportedly found in possession of three illicit substances.
Lisa Eugenia Wykle, aged 49, was taken into custody on various charges including two counts of trafficking opium or heroin as felonies. Additionally, she faces one felony charge each for possession with the intent to sell, manufacture, or distribute a Schedule II controlled substance, possessing methamphetamine with the intent to sell, and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling for controlled substance distribution. Moreover, she has one misdemeanor count for simple possession of a Schedule III controlled substance.
Wykle’s arrest occurred on December 29 after authorities allegedly discovered methamphetamine and a substantial quantity of fentanyl in her possession.
Authorities suspect Wykle was prepared to distribute the drugs as they found the methamphetamine neatly organized and packaged into three separate bags, apparently for selling or distribution purposes as stated in court documents.
Furthermore, Wykle faces an additional charge of simple possession for having suboxone, a substance used to manage opioid misuse disorders, yet susceptible to abuse akin to other opiates as per Harvard Health.
The synthetic opioid fentanyl, a highly lethal drug, was allegedly found in large quantities in Wykle’s possession. According to magistrate’s orders, she had 8.7 grams of fentanyl, an amount equivalent to just over 1/3 of an ounce. Fentanyl, known for its extreme potency—50 to 100 times stronger than morphine as per the National Institutes of Health—poses a severe danger.
Wykle is believed to have utilized a Kia Soul SUV for drug distribution activities.
Trafficking opium or heroin is a Class F felony, carrying a penalty of 70 to 93 months’ imprisonment and a $50,000 fine upon conviction.
Possession with the intent to manufacture, sell, or distribute methamphetamine varies in severity from Class C to H felony, carrying potential sentences ranging from 44 to 182 months or 4 to 25 months, respectively.
Possession with the intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance constitutes a Class H felony, punishable by 39 months if convicted.
Using a vehicle or dwelling for drug distribution is a Class I felony, the least severe felony, carrying a potential sentence of 24 months in prison.
Wykle was taken to the Jackson County Detention Center under a secured bond of $90,300. As of Wednesday morning, she was no longer listed on the jail roster.
