Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana
Last updated on Tuesday, March 31, 2015
(PAOLI) - A week long drug investigation conducted by the Orange County Drug Enforcement Unit resulted in the discovery of nearly 5 pounds of crystal methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $268,800.
Police also found crack cocaine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana, several firearms and ammunition, a vehicle and approximately $20,000 in cash.
Five people were arrested.
On March 16, the Orange County Drug Enforcement Unit, consisting of officers from the Indiana State Police, Orange County Sheriff's Department, Paoli Police and French Lick Police Department, started the investigation after a manager at the French Lick Resort contacted the French Lick Police Department to report that some drugs and money were left in a room after the occupants had checked out.
When police arrived they collected the drugs and money left in the room.
Then on March 17 an arrest warrant was issued for 46-year-old Brian Herrell. Officers found more than 3 ounces of crystal meth, crack cocaine, marijuana and two firearms.
In Herrell's car officers found meth, marijuana, 3 high-power rifles, 2 assault-rifles equipped with night vision scopes and a 45-caliber handgun. A large bag of psilocybin mushrooms were found in a car belonging to Herrell's girlfriend, 32-year-old Crystal Adamic, along with a 9mm handgun.
Amadic was also arrested at the scene.
A total of about $20,000 and nearly 6.6 ounces of crystal meth were recovered from the hotel room and the residence.
Herrell and Adamic were both transported to the Orange County Jail.
Herrell is being charged with dealing meth 10 grams while in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana, psilocybin mushrooms and crack cocaine.
Adamic is being charged with possession of meth over 10 grams.
During the investigation, officers obtained information that led to another arrest on March 21.
Officers intercepted a shipment of 4.4 pounds of crystal meth and $775 from a vehicle owned by 36-year-old Carlos Gomez, a Mexican citizen living in Atlanta, GA.
His girlfriend, 22-year-old Fabriola Cedra Lopez, a Nicaragua citizen with an Atlanta, GA address, and their three children ages 6 months, 2 years and 3 years old were also in the vehicle along with 36-year-old Brenda Woodard of Lithonia, GA.
The adults were arrested and the children were turned over to Indiana Child Protective Services.
Carlos Gomez's 2005 Nissan SUV was also seized.
Gomez and his girlfriend are charged with trafficking across state lines, dealing meth over 10 grams and child endangerment.
The Orange County Drug Enforcement Unit would like to thank the Spencer County Sheriff's Department, the Indiana State Police and the DEA for their assistance in these cases.
These operations would not be possible without the tips and information received from the citizens of Orange County.
Police thank the citizens for assisting in their efforts to keep Orange County a safe and healthy community to live. If you have information about illegal activity call local police or the sheriff's department.
1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com
© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.