Search warrant uncovers illegal junk yard, drugs in Lincoln County

A search warrant deputies executed in the town of Merrill last week led to them busting up an illegal junkyard and confiscating drugs. 

Deputies on Thursday executed a search warrant on a town of Merrill property following investigations that its owner had been running an illegal salvage operation on the property. Assisted by multiple agencies, deputies searched the property and discovered a number of stolen vehicle parts and one stolen vehicle, along with large quantities of marijuana, meth and cocaine. 

Authorities arrested property owner Anthony Ellenbecker on suspicion of running an illegal salvage operation and possessing illegal drugs. 

As of Monday, charges had not been filed against Ellenbecker. Ellenbecker was convicted of misdemeanor marijuana possession and felony bail jumping in 2008. He's also previously been cited for operating a salvage yard without a license.