Sarah Palin’s to-be In-law Arrested on Drug Charges

By Sarah Harper

Published on December 22, 2008

Sherry Johnston was arrested on Thursday, December 18 in Wasilla, Alaska for misconduct involving a controlled substance. Although authorities have retained details of the arrest, the Anchorage Daily News reports that the charges were in relation to the drug oxycontin.

Johnston's family gained international attention in September when Palin, who was running for the Vice Presidency at the time, announced the pregnancy and engagement of her daughter, Bristol, to Sherry's son, Levi Johnston.

On Thursday, Alaska State Troopers served a search warrant following an undercover drug investigation, which typically entails police observation of one drug transaction followed by collection and documentation of subsequent transactions. A press release issued by the troopers described Johnston's charges: six felony counts, including second- and fourth-degree misconduct (usually related to the manufacture, possession, or delivery of drugs) involving a controlled substance.

Johnston was released on bail a few hours after her arrest. Authorities have withheld information regarding other potential defendants and the details of the arrest.

Johnston faces a January 6 arraignment hearing, in which she may enter a plea.

Comment on this article →