Emery County Man Arrested in Weapons and Drug Investigation

CASTLE DALE — Thaddeus Dale Curtis, 53, of Emery County, was apprehended on Tuesday following the discovery of a large arsenal of weapons at his residence. Curtis, prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior conviction, was taken into custody after a standoff with law enforcement.

Initial Encounter and Escalation

The arrest began when a deputy sheriff observed Curtis outside his home and initiated a traffic stop due to an outstanding warrant. Curtis initially cooperated by presenting paperwork related to his court date. However, the situation escalated after a phone call to his mother, during which he reportedly stated he would not return to jail.

Barricade and Forced Entry

Curtis retreated to an upstairs bedroom, barricading himself inside and refusing to cooperate with police requests to exit. This led to a forced entry, during which deputies observed multiple firearms in plain sight.

Extensive Search Reveals Weapons and Drugs

Following a search warrant, authorities conducted a thorough search of Curtis’s property, including his residence, an outbuilding, and vehicle. The search yielded approximately 50 firearms, including conventionally manufactured weapons and 3D-printed components for assault rifles and pistols.

Drug Discovery

Alongside the weapons, law enforcement discovered a crystal-like substance suspected to be methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia, such as hypodermic needles. This evidence contributed to the charges against Curtis.

Multiple Charges Filed

Curtis was booked into the Emery County Jail on suspicion of 50 counts of being a restricted person in possession of a weapon, interfering with police, failing to stop for police, drug possession, marijuana possession, unlawful possession of a prescription drug, drug distribution, and two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Prior Criminal History

This is not Curtis’s first encounter with the law. In March, he was charged with forgery, a third-degree felony, related to an alleged attempt to use counterfeit money for bail. He previously served a one-year jail sentence in 2000 for automobile homicide.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the full scope of Curtis’s activities and potential drug and weapon distribution. The discovery of 3D-printed firearm components raises concerns about the accessibility of untraceable weapons. The Emery County Sheriff's Office will release further details as the case progresses.