Suspect in Columbia drug bust owned youth basketball association
A Columbia man accused of having large quantities of drugs including synthetic marijuana had organized a youth basketball association, though it’s not clear how active the organization was.
Tommy L. Thomas, 64, was charged last week with possession of synthetic pot, commonly known as K-2, after a Nov. 8 raid on his home. He was arrested again Saturday and police say they found more than $40,000 in cash, 580 grams of cocaine, 100 grams of methamphetamine, more than 300 grams of marijuana and more than 1,500 grams of K-2 at a storage unit on Hickory Street.
Officers also found a handgun which Thomas couldn’t legally have because he is a felon, the Columbia Police Department said.
Thomas was the president and owner of the Mid-Missouri Youth Basketball Association, according to registration reports filed with the Missouri Secretary of State’s Office. The association began in 2011 and was listed as a non-profit organization.
The organization was shut down in January by the secretary of state’s office for failing to file a registration report.
Reports were filed in 2012, 2013 and 2015 list three people on the association’s board of directors.
One board member, a former Columbia elementary school principal, tells ABC 17 News he was never involved with the association. His name is listed on three separate reports.
A search turned up no tax filings for the not-for-profit Mid-Missouri Youth Basketball Association.
A LinkedIn page that appears to belong to Thomas says he studied at the University of Missouri and Columbia College. The page also said he has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters in the past.
Thomas was arrested in early November and charged with delivery of marijuana or synthetic marijuana.
According to a probable cause statement, police found Thomas at a parking lot on Business Loop 70 in Columbia with several baggies of K-2 in his pockets and in his vehicle.
Police obtained a search warrant for his house and found drug residue inside according to the statement.
Another person, Amanda Kennison, was also arrested and charged after the Nov. 8 search.
ABC 17 News called Thomas’ attorney, Josh Oxenhandler, and is still waiting to hear back.
