TIPTON — Two Kokomo residents are facing drug charges after they were pulled over for a traffic stop on US 31 in Tipton.

The driver, 40-year-old Dion C. Jones, and a passenger, 35-year-old Travian I. White, were pulled over at about 10 p.m. Wednesday near Division Road, Indiana State Police said in a news release.

A State Trooper then then relied on his K-9 partner which alerted police to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. 

Police then found approximately 2.8 pounds of suspected methamphetamine. Cocaine and  paraphernalia were also allegedly found.

Both men were taken into custody to the Tipton County Jail.

The post Two Kokomo men facing facing drug charges appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

KOKOMO — State and local police conducted an extensive criminal investigation, with more than 65 people arrested on 200 charges.

The multi-agency investigation began in late 2024 and continued for 15 months with a focus on targeting illicit narcotics, firearms, and U.S. currency.

Investigations relied on more than 20 search warrants executed in Howard, Grant, Miami, and Fulton counties.

These search warrants resulted in the seizure of approximately 3,575 grams of methamphetamine, 4,470 counterfeit fentanyl pills, 200 prescription pills, 120 grams of cocaine, 40 grams of heroin, 13 firearms, 11 bottles of prescription sucralfate, and more than $15,000 in U.S. currency. 

More than 65 individuals were ultimately arrested and, in total, face more than 200 criminal charges.

This organized effort was comprised of task force officers from the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section, Kokomo Police Department Special Investigations Unit, Kokomo Police Department Drug Task Force, JEAN Team Drug Task Force, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Peru Police Department, Grant County Sheriff’s Office, Marion Police Department, Cass County Drug Task Force, United States Drug Enforcement Agency, and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

This operation is part of an ongoing effort by the Indiana State Police to remove drugs being transported through our state and to hold those involved accountable.

Governor Braun has emphasized the importance of combating crime and making our communities safe.

Recent efforts have led to significant seizures and the dismantling of large-scale drug organizations, the news release said.

The post Large-scale bust in four counties results in 65 arrests appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

PUTNAM COUNTY — A routine safety check on I-70 turned into one of the largest drug busts in recent memory Saturday afternoon.

An Indiana State Police trooper stopped a blue semi tractor-trailer near the 41-mile marker in Putnam County for what was supposed to be a standard inspection, but things quickly took a turn.

The trooper noticed several red flags while talking to the men inside, and after a police K9 alerted to the vehicle, investigators searched it. They found 309 pounds of cocaine stashed in the sleeper area, a haul worth an estimated $7 million.

The vehicle was en route from Missouri to Richmond when it was intercepted. Two California men, 25-year-old Gurpreet Singh and 30-year-old Jasveer Singh, are now in the Putnam County Jail facing felony dealing charges.

The post State Police discover 309 pounds of cocaine during traffic stop appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Nearly two dozen people were arrested or are facing arrest following a drug sweep carried out by Kosciusko County Sheriff’s officers and other surrounding police agencies.

Eleven people were arrested and 11 are being sought. 

NET 43 conducted covert surveillance and undercover operations for the last several months that led to the arrest, according to a news release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office.

A majority of suspects are accused of dealing (or possessing) methamphetamine, a narcotic drug, cocaine or activity connected to Fentanyl.

One suspect is being held on a $50,000 bond and three others are facing bond of $$25,000 or more.

The ages of the suspects ranged from 60 to 19.

The following people were arrested:

RICHARD DANIEL WILLIAMS, Age 25, Warsaw

Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Dealing Methamphetamine Enhanced, Level 4 Felony

Possession Methamphetamine Enhanced, Level 5 Felony

Bond: $15,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash

And

Conspire to Commit Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony

Theft, Class A Misdemeanor

Theft Enhanced, Level 6 Felony

Bond: $50,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash

JEREMY LEE CONOVER, Age 37, Warsaw

Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Bond: $20,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash

NOE YBARRA, Age 19, Pierceton

Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Level 6 Felony

Bond: $7,500.00, 10% cash

JASON MAC WADE Age 43, Pierceton

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Possession of a Syringe, Level 6 Felony

Bond: $7,500.00, 10% cash

ANTHONY ALAN BLANKENSHIP Age 37, Warsaw

Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony

Dealing in a Fentanyl containing Substance, Level 4 Felony

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Level 6 Felony

Bond: $35,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash

STEVEN SCOTT LATTEA, Age 53, Warsaw

Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Level 6 Felony

Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: $7,500.00, 10% cash

LARRY JOE PATRICK JR, Age 43, Warsaw

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

CALEB FLOWERS, Age 20, Warsaw

Probation Violation

Invasion of Privacy Enhanced, Level 6 Felony

Bond: $5,000.00, 10% cash

BRITTANY MICHELLE WIRGHT, Age 38, Warsaw

Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: $7,500.00, 10% cash

DANYELLE REBECCA PALMER, Age 33, Warsaw

Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor

Possession Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

Possession Marijuana Enhanced, Class A Misdemeanor

Bond: $500.00 Cash

EDWARD ALLEN COCHRAN, Age 60, Warsaw

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Bond: $7,500.00, 10% cash

Warrants or a summons were issued for the following people and to report the location of any of the individuals, please notify your local law enforcement agency or contact the NET 43 tip line at NET43@kosciusko.in.gov or by telephone at 574-372-2494.

CURTIS BONDS, Age 49, Syracuse

Dealing in Cocaine Enhanced, Level 2 Felony

Possession of Cocaine Enhanced, Level 4 Felony

Dealing in Cocaine, Level 4 Felony

Possession of Cocaine, Level 6 Felony

Dealing in Cocaine, Level 3 Felony

Possession of Cocaine, Level 5 Felony

CAMERAN MICHAEL CARVER, Age 34, Leesburg

Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Bond: $35,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash

MICHAEL ALAN GARMAN, Age 41, Warsaw

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Violation of Driving Privileges, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: $7,500.00, 10% cash bond

DAVID TIMOTHY GUNTER, Age 40, Warsaw

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Possession Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: $10,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash or $12,500.00 10% cash

MATTHEW L. ROBERSON, Age 40, Pierceton

Theft, Level 6 Felony

Counterfeiting, Level 6 Felony

Impairment of Identification, Class A Misdemeanor

Bond: $7,500.00, 10% cash

STEPHANY L. SATOSKI, Age 44, Syracuse

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony

Possession Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: $7,500.00, 10% cash

BENJAMIN DAVID SCHENK, Age 40, Osceola

Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony

Bond: $25,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash

ROBIN MICHELLE SMITH, Age 40, Syracuse

Dealing a Narcotic Drug, Level 5 Felony

Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Level 6 Felony

Bond: $12,500.00 cash bond

DURON RESE SMITH, Age 41, South Bend

Dealing in a Fentanyl containing Substance, Level 2 Felony

Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Level 4 Felony

Dealing in a Fentanyl containing Substance, Level 2 Felony

Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Level 4 Felony

Bond: $25,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash

LATISHA MAY WILLIAMS Age 32, Leesburg

Aiding, Inducing, or Causing Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony

Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Bond: $25,000.00 Surety + $250.00 cash

SHELBY LYNNE LEARNED, Age 33, Silver Lake

Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

The post Drug sweep nets 11 suspects, while 11 more still being sought appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw

WARSAW — Several months of covert surveillance and undercover operations led to the arrest of 14 people and the issuance of warrants on ten more individuals on drug-related charges.

Arrests were made over a five-day period beginning March 15 by the Kosciusko County Narcotics Enforcement Team known as NET43, according to a news release from the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office.

The warrant blitz was the culmination of efforts by officers from multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the county. 

A large majority of all 24 suspects are facing charges involving methamphetamine, fentanyl or cocaine.

The following people were arrested:

Matthew Manges, 39, of Syracuse

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 4 felony

Count II: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 felony

Count III: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Bond: $30,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or $32,500.00, 10% cash

Matthew B Manges Age 39, Syracuse, IN

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 felony

Count II: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 felony

Bond: $25,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or N/A 10% cash

Cary Duane Walls, 51, Etna Green

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony

Count II: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Count III: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Count V: Dealing Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 2 felony;

Count VI: Dealing Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 3 felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 4 Felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 5 Felony

Bond: $25,000.00 surety + $1,000.00 cash or $35,000.00 10% cash

Cory Eugene Iden, 41, of Syracuse

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Bond: $25,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or $27,500.00 10% cash

Christian Michael McQuade, 31, of Warsaw

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Bond: $25,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or $27,500.00 10% cash

Tyler James Hanish, 32, of Claypool

Count I: Dealing in a Fentanyl Containing Substance More Than One

(1) gram Enhancing Circumstances, Level 3 felony

Count II: Possession of A Narcotic Drug Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 5 felony

Count III: Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 felony

Count IV: Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: $25,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or N/A 10% cash

Jaimee Nichole Marshall, 29, of Burket

Count I: Possession of Syringe, Level 6 Felony

Bond: N/A surety + N/A cash or $7,500.00 10% cash

Robin Michelle Smith, 40 of Warsaw

Count I: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Count II: Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: N/A surety + N/A cash or $7,500.00 10% cash

Timothy Alan Elliott, 40, of North Webster

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Count III: Dealing Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 2 felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 4 Felony

Bond: $20,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or $22,500.00 10% cash

Aaron Charles McDaniel, 53 of North Webster

Count I: Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 felony

Count II: Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

Count III: Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Count IV: Possession Marijuana, Sentence Enhancement, Level 6

Felony

Kristi Kay Loftis , 46, of North Webster

Count I: Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 felony

Count II: Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

Count III: Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: N/A surety + N/A cash or $7,500.00 10% cash

Amanda Joy Justice, 42, of Kewanna

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Bond: $20,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or $22,500.00 10% cash

Tabitha Marie Cartwright, 32, of North Webster

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 4 felony

Count II: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 5 felony

Count III: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Bond: $20,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or N/A 10% cash

Hayle Doty, 36, of Syracuse

Count I: Possession of A Narcotic Drug, Level 6 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Count III: Possession Syringe, Level 6 felony

Count IV: Counterfeiting, Level 6 Felony

Count V: Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor

Count VI: Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Count VII: Possession of methamphetamine Enhancing

Circumstances, Level 5 Felony

Bond: N/A surety N/A cash or $17,500.00 10% cash

Katrina Sue Obrien, 24 of Warsaw

Count I: Dealing in a Fentanyl Containing Substance More Than One

(1) gram, Level 4 felony

Count II: Possession of A Narcotic Drug, Level 6 felony

Bond: $15,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or N/A 10% cash

Warrants were issued for the following people

If you know the location of any of the individuals, please notify your local law enforcement agency or contact the NET 43 tip line at NET43@kcgov.com or by telephone at 574-372-2494.

Brandon Lewis Jones, 35, of Columbia City

Count I: Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor

Count II: Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Count III: Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor

Bond: $500.00 Cash Bond

Matthew John Milton, 28, of Nappanee

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Count III: Dealing Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 2 felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 4 Felony

Bond: $20,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or $22,500.00 10% cash

Abigail Lee Pifer, 48, of Warsaw

Count I: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Count II: Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: $10,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or $12,500.00 10% cash

Lydon John Smith, 39, of Warsaw

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 3 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony

Bond: N/A surety N/A cash or $17,500.00 10% cash

Cory Andrew Walton, 31, of Columbia City

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 4 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Count III: Dealing Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 3 felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 5 Felony

Bond: $15,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or $17,500.00 10% cash

Jason A. Waikel, 46, of Warsaw

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Count III: Possession of Cocaine, Level 6 Felony

Count IV: Possession of Syringe, Level 6 Felony

Count V: Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: $25,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or N/A 10% cash

Marcus Brent Lemaster, 53, of Warsaw

Count I: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 4 felony

Count II: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony

Count III: Dealing Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 3 felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine Enhancing Circumstances,

Level 5 Felony

Bond: $20,000.00 surety + $250.00 cash or N/A 10% cash

Morgan A. Noe, 34, of North Webster

Count I: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Count II: Possession Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

Bond: N/A surety + N/A cash or $ 7,500.00 10% cash

Douglas Patrick Watkins, Age 45, North Webster

Count I: Dealing a Narcotic Drug, Level 5 Felony

Count II: Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 5 felony

Count III: Possession of A Narcotic Drug, Level 6 felony

Count IV: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony

Bond: N/A surety N/A cash or $17,500.00 10% cash

Hailey K Templeton: 41, of Winona Lake

Count I: Possession Methamphetamine, Level 6 felony

Bond: N/A surety + N/A cash or $7,500.00 10% cash

The post Five-day sweep nets 14 on drug charges; 10 more sought on warrants appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — A traffic stop near Milford tipped off Indiana State Police to possible illegal activity and resulted hours later in a drug bust in Warsaw.

[caption id="attachment_104900" align="alignright" width="217"] Luis Lara-Macias[/caption]

The motorist, 35-year-old Luis Lara-Macias, of Warsaw, was stopped on SR 15 near CR 1350N, which led to the discovery of $65,000 in cash.

That led to the search of the suspect’s residence on East CR 300N in Warsaw about eight hours later with the assistance of officers from Kosciusko County's NET43 drug task force.

Troopers then found three ounces of suspected cocaine, a digital scale, fraudulent identification cards, a rifle, two handguns, and more money.

Lara-Macias was taken to the Kosciusko County Jail on a preliminary charge of money laundering, a Level 4 Felony.

The post Large stash of cash leads to drug bust appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — The first instinct of The 35-year-old woman arrested last week and caught in possession of large amounts of meth, fentanyl and cocaine was to flee.

But soon after her arrest, Erika Bruner began talking with investigators about her business practices.

Bruner fled police after an attempted traffic stop on Jan. 17 for disregarding a stop sign. As she drove away, Bruner threw two black bags and a drink from her SUV. After a short chase, she eventually pulled over on Backwater Road south of North Webster and was apprehended.

Soon after, though, her outlook changed and she made some eye-popping admissions to police, according to court documents.

She told investigators that she would acquire a pound of methamphetamine and sell it in Kosciusko County in one day.

The Warsaw woman admitted she sold large quantities of methamphetamine fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana. She said the last time she obtained meth on Jan. 5 she sold it to six people.

The bust involved the seizure of 2.9 pounds of meth, 20 grams of fentanyl, 27 grams of cocaine, as well as LSD, Xanax, five firearms and a drone used to deliver drugs.

Court paperwork did not refer to the use of the drone.

Contents of the two black bags included drugs and an unloaded handgun, court records said.

Bruner said she decided to end the police chase after talking with her boyfriend on a cell phone while driving.

The investigation began as a result of tips from concerned residents.

Bruner, who has a criminal record involving drugs and at least one gun conviction, is facing a large number of charges in both Kosciusko and Elkhart counties.

The post Bruner tells police she could sell a pound of meth in a day appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

[caption id="attachment_104285" align="alignright" width="223"] Erica J. Bruner[/caption]

WARSAW — Tips from residents led to a large drug bust and the arrest of a Warsaw woman after the discovery of three pounds of methamphetamine.

The bust involved the seizure of 2.9 pounds of methamphetamine, 20 grams of fentanyl, 27 grams of cocaine, as well as LSD, Xanax five firearms and a drone used to deliver drugs.

The investigation culminated a week ago when NET43, Indiana State Police and Nappanee Police officers arrested 35-year-old Erica J. Bruner who is currently held in the Elkhart County Jail with a $90,000.00 surety bond.

Bruner is facing a large number of charges filed in both Elkhart and Kosciusko counties.

The post Large amounts of meth, fentanyl and cocaine found in Warsaw drug bust appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Two people in their 40s were arrested in a Net43 drug bust in Etna Green on Thursday. Details of the arrest were released by Kosciusko County Sheriff's Office on Saturday afternoon.

Arrests were initiated by Kosciusko County Deputies when they attempted to serve an arrest warrant at a residence in Etna Green and detected a strong odor of marijuana within the residence. 

Deputies then called in the Narcotics Enforcement Task Force (NET43) team to assist. 

NET 43 investigators executed a search warrant and found more than 350 grams of methamphetamine, hypodermic syringes, small amounts of cocaine, mushrooms, and marijuana plus $253 in cash.

Among those arrested were 47-year-old Cassidy Quimby, of Etna Green. He’s facing the brunt of the charges and was being held on a $50,000.00 surety bond.

Also taken into custody was 40-year-old Crystal Walker, of Akron, who was found hiding in a closet. She was booked on an outstanding warrant and her bond was set at $750.00 cash.

Felony charges against Quimby include dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession of cocaine and assisting a criminal.

Other misdemeanor charges include possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and false informing.

This drug arrest remains under investigation by NET43.

The post 350 grams of meth confiscated, two arrested appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — A traffic stop by an Indiana State Trooper on US 30 in Warsaw led to the discovery of three kilos of suspected cocaine and the arrest of a Fort Wayne man Thursday afternoon.

The arrest came at approximately 3:27 p.m. when an Indiana State Trooper observed a moving violation on a black 2007 BMW SUV as it traveled eastbound on US 30 in Kosciusko County.

A traffic stop was made near the intersection of US 30 and CR 150W.  During the traffic stop, a K-9 from the Warsaw Police Department performed a free-air sniff and provided a positive alert to the odor of narcotics in the BMW.

A subsequent search of the BMW revealed three kilos of suspected cocaine and $3,000 in cash.

The driver of the BMW, Jarvis Buchanan, 44, of Fort Wayne, was arrested for possession of cocaine, a level 3 felony, and taken to the Kosciusko County Jail.

The post US 30 bust in Warsaw yields three kilos of cocaine, cash appeared first on News Now Warsaw.