Couple suspected of dealing meth and fentanyl in Centralia

A couple suspected of dealing methamphetamine and fentanyl in Centralia face felony charges following their arrest Sunday near the Dollar General on East Summa Street.

Charles L. Keele Jr., 53, of Longview, and Mackenzie M. Fish, 22, of Salkum, made preliminary appearances in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday.

The defendants' attorney for the day, Rachael Tiller, indicated the two were in a relationship.

Judge Paul Strophy set Keele's bail at $250,000 cash or bond, $50,000 greater than the state's request, citing the nature of the allegations and pending out-of-county charges.

According to prosecutors, Keele faces charges of second-degree kidnapping and second-degree rape in Clark County, along with charges of possession with intent to deliver, hit-and-run and second-degree criminal trespass in Cowlitz County.

Strophy noted the age discrepancy between the defendants and granted the state's request to prohibit their contact while the case is pending.

The judge set Fish's bail at $25,000 cash or bond, citing a lack of criminal and warrant history, despite acknowledging the potentially "violent effects" of dealing narcotics.

According to prosecutors, Fish has pending charges for possession and use of drug paraphernalia in Centralia Municipal Court.

Both defendants are charged with two counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver a controlled substance, each punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Centralia police observed a "suspicious circumstance" involving men by a black Honda Civic near the Dollar General at about 8 p.m. April 26.

The affidavit notes the area is known for drug trafficking.

Police later pulled the Civic over for "traffic violations," and found Fish driving and Keele in the front passenger seat, according to the affidavit.

Officers deployed K9 Havik, who detected the possible presence of narcotics inside the car, which led to the eventual execution of a search warrant.

Inside the car's trunk, officers reportedly found a black bag containing "several plastic baggies of suspected methamphetamine, a container of a white compressed powder believed to be fentanyl, several unused plastic baggies, two digital scales, and a notebook with names consistent with drug dealing activity," according to the affidavit.

Officers also reportedly found "tooter straws," foil, lighters, a silicone bong and over $1,000 cash inside Keele's wallet.

The notebook allegedly contained two different handwriting styles, "one appearing to be feminine," according to the affidavit.

Fish and Keele were arrested and booked into the Lewis County Jail at about 9:30 p.m. April 26.

They were scheduled for arraignments on Thursday, April 30.

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This story was originally published April 28, 2026 at 11:22 AM.