(PAOLI) – Throughout late August and into the month of September, Paoli police officers have been involved with the seeking of and execution of several drug related search warrants.
According to Paoli Police Sgt. Tyler Phillips, these warrants have resulted in criminal arrests and several arrests on charges of dealing meth.
“These cases have all been the direct result of tips and information provided by citizens and diligently investigated by officers,” Sgt. Phillips added.
Paoli officers were assisted at the scene by Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies, the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office, Orange Circuit and Superior Court staff, and Orange County Dispatch Center, members of the Department of Child Services, and IU Health Ambulance Service personnel.
“Without their assistance, these cases would not be possible. Cooperation amongst agencies is essential to success when pursuing drug offenders. Thank you all for your assistance,” says Sgt. Phillips. “These arrests stand to reflect our commitment to bring justice to those who distribute illicit drugs in or around Paoli without prejudice. Officers will disrupt the use/sale of methamphetamine in and around the Town of Paoli. We pledge to work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate, arrest, and hold those accountable who are responsible for committing illegal drug offenses within Paoli and throughout Orange County.”
Anyone with information or those who witness suspicious activity within the Town of Paoli are encouraged to report the activity to the Paoli Police Department by calling 812-723-2836. Tips can remain anonymous
On August 21, officers executed a search warrant at 8:30 p.m. at a home at 1283 East County Road 100 North in Paoli in regards to meth distribution at the location.
Police found a glass smoking device, a metal tube and a piece of glass (mirror). All of these items contained residue which yielded a positive field test for methamphetamine. Also located were countless pieces of drug paraphernalia. All of the aforementioned were seized and placed into Paoli Police Department evidence.
Police arrested 58-year-old Duane Smitson on charges of dealing meth, possession of meth and maintaining a common nuisance. 55-year-old Sherry Smitson was arrested on charges of possession of meth and maintaining a common nuisance.
On September 4, officers executed a search warrant at Wainwright Avenue in Paoli. Officers were called to the apartment by a Department of Child Services caseworker. When police entered they found drug paraphernalia in plain view and requested a search warrant.
During the search officers located items consistent with the dealing meth and possession of meth.
Three people were arrested and taken to the Orange County Jail. While one individual was being processed jail officers located 9.3 grams of meth in his underwear.
Police arrested 29-year-old Samantha Jones on charges of dealing meth, possession of meth, maintaining a common nuisance, and unlawful possession of a syringe.
38-year-old Jaimen McQuirt of Charlestown was arrested on charges of possession of meth, unlawful possession of a syringe, and visiting a common nuisance.
31-year-old Kristi Craft of French Lick was arrested on charges of visiting a common nuisance and possession of marijuana.
On September 11, officers executed a search warrant at 215 N Oak Street in Paoli.
Four people inside were arrested without incident after police found meth, controlled substances, glass smoking devices, two digital scales and cash.
30-year-old Latisha Turpin, of Paoli, was arrested on charges of dealing and possession of meth, and possession of a controlled substance
34-year-old Christopher Conrad, of French Lick, who was on parole for prior meth dealing conviction, was arrested on new charges of dealing meth and possession of a controlled substance.
39-year-old Amanda Lanham, of French Lick, was arrested on charges of possession of meth and possession of a controlled substance.
31-year-old Jeffrey Blair, of Salem, was arrested on charges of possession of meth and possession of LSD.
On September 18 at 6 p.m. officers with the Paoli and Orleans Police Departments and Orange County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at 911 West county Road 600 North in Orleans.
The search was the result of a two-week investigation into the distribution of meth, marijuana and prescription narcotics.
Police say all three drugs were found during their search.
Officers also found three firearms and a few hundred dollars. All were seized and will be requested for forfeiture.
Upon inspection, several bills of currency were identified as those used during a controlled drug buy from the tenant of the address.
Police arrested 39-year-old Nicholas Bender, of Orleans, on a warrant for animal cruelty which was unrelated to the search, dealing meth, dealing in a controlled substance, and possession of meth
On September 21 after a month-long investigation officers with the Paoli Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Department executed a search warrant at 2 a.m. at 3481 State Road 37 North in Paoli.
Police arrested four people.
45-year-old Charles “Chad” Hobson, of Paoli, was arrested on charges of dealing meth, possession of on meth, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of a Schedule II and III controlled substance.
40-year-old Ashley (Sattler) Springer, of Paoli, was arrested on charges of possession of meth, and maintaining a common nuisance and possession of a Schedule II and III controlled substance.
45-year-old Christiana Slaten, of Paoli, was arrested on charges of possession of marijuana and visiting a common nuisance.
39-year-old John Earley was arrested on charges of possession of meth and visiting a common nuisance.
