(PAOLI) – In March 2019, Paoli Police Department Officers obtained information regarding two Orleans men who were actively involved in the distribution and sale of methamphetamine.
Many of the tips came from Paoli residents who had direct knowledge of a suspicious “product” being consumed within the Town of Paoli.
Officers worked diligently over the next few months and ultimately presented the gathered intelligence to the Honorable Judge Steven Owen, along with a search warrant request.
The warrant was granted and a search of the suspect(s) residence was authorized. The residence is located at 3711 W County Road 775 N, Orleans, IN.
In addition to a search of the residence, officers developed probable cause for the arrest of both men for dealing meth and other drug related offenses.
During the planning phase, the Paoli police contacted a detective with the Lawrence County Drug Task Force in an effort to safely coordinate the arrest of one of the suspects who works in Bedford. Meanwhile, Orange County officers planned to simultaneously execute the search warrant at the target residence.
At approximately 5:00 p.m. on June 26th, 2019, five Paoli Police Department officers and Orleans Deputy Marshals McFarland and McCoy executed the search warrant. Officers were able to locate a significant quantity of methamphetamine (<10g), U.S. currency (cash), a smartphone, digital scales and other items associated with the distribution and sale of methamphetamine, as well as multiple firearms.
Meanwhile in Lawrence County, BPD officers located the first suspect in a vehicle on 16th Street, near Lowe’s. Under the direction of Major Jeremy Bridges and Det. Sgt. Justin Dodd, second shift patrol officers initiated a traffic stop and the arrest was made without incident. The suspect was transported to Orange County, where he was incarcerated. The suspect’s vehicle was seized and a forfeiture request will be submitted to the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office. Also assisting during the stop was Mr. Bridges’ partner, K9 Ciro.
The second suspect was found to no longer live at the target residence. Officers began looking and were able to locate him very quickly at an Orleans residence near the intersection of Adams St & Fifth St. He was arrested by Paoli Officers and booked into the Orange County Jail. Both suspects were preliminarily charged with dealing methamphetamine and other drug related offenses (listed below).
In addition to the Orleans Town Marshal’s Office, the Paoli Police Department was assisted by the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office, Orange County Circuit Court staff, the Bedford City Police, the Lawrence County Drug Task Force, Magner’s Towing, Orange County Dispatchers Sturgill & Hornocker, and IU Health Ambulance Service personnel. Cooperation amongst agencies is essential to success while pursuing drug offenders and holding them accountable. We would like to thank each of them for their support and assistance.
Once again, these arrest(s) stand to reflect our commitment to bring justice to those who distribute illicit drugs in or around Paoli. Without prejudice, our Officers will disrupt the use/sale of methamphetamine in and around the Town of Paoli. We pledge to continue working closely with our law enforcement partners and other members of the criminal justice system 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. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. If desired, tips can remain anonymous.
The individuals arrested (as referenced above) are identified below. The associated charging information is listed, along with a photograph courtesy of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Jeffrey S. Springer (40, Orleans, IN)
- Dealing Methamphetamine <10g >28g w/ Firearms Level 2 Felony
- Possession of Methamphetamine Level 4 Felony
- Maintaining a Common Nuisance Level 6 Felony
Donald “Donnie” E. Evans (37, Orleans, IN)
- Dealing Methamphetamine <1g >5g Level 4 Felony
- Possession of Methamphetamine Level 6 Felony
- Possession of Paraphernalia Class
