BEDFORD – A traffic stop and search warrant on Tuesday, March 14th, ended a lengthy investigation and resulted in the arrest of two Bedford residents.
Both the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police had received information that 23-year-old Andrew Hsu, of Bedford, and 26-year-old Samantha Gerkin, of Bedford, were dealing large amounts of fentanyl pills, cocaine, fentanyl powder, and marijuana in Lawrence County.
The Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section, Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S., and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office launched a joint investigation. Through a variety of investigative techniques, probable cause was established that both Hsu and Gerkin were, in fact, dealing drugs.
On Tuesday, investigators had information that Hsu and Gerkin were traveling to Louisville to pick up more illegal substances for distribution. At approximately 1:45 p.m., undercover drug detectives observed Gerkin driving a Chevrolet Tracker northbound on SR 37, near Mitchell. Hsu was identified as her passenger.
ISP Trooper Chance Humphrey and Lawrence County Sergeant Lonnie Johnson conducted a traffic stop along State Road 37, near Doc Hamilton Boulevard.
During the stop, Lawrence County Captain Andrew Phillips deployed his canine, Scout, who gave a positive alert to the presence of illegal substances in the vehicle.
Officers then conducted a search which revealed Hsu and Gerkin was in possession of approximately seven grams of fentanyl, numerous “Blue Roxy” Roxycodone fentanyl pills, approximately 28 grams of marijuana, more than $3,000 in US currency, and a loaded 9mm handgun.
Drug investigators applied for and were granted a search warrant for Hsu and Gerkin’s residence in the 2300 block of L Street in Bedford.
DES Detectives, Sheriff Greg Day, LCSO Officer Brenten Trueblood, and Trooper Kent Rohlfing executed the search warrant. During this search of the residence, officers located approximately 22 grams of cocaine, one gram of fentanyl, dozens of “Blue Roxy” Roxycodone fentanyl pills, approximately one pound of marijuana, two more 9mm handguns, and approximately another $3,000 in US currency.
Both Hsu and Gerkin were incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail for dealing in cocaine or narcotic drug over 10 grams (Level 2 Felony), possession of cocaine or narcotic drug over 28 grams (Level 3 Felony), and maintaining a common nuisance (Level 6 Felony).
Sheriff Day praised the work of the investigators in making these arrests.
“We all know that our county is suffering way too many overdose deaths due to the influx of fentanyl and the Blue Roxy fentanyl pills,” said Sheriff Day. “I cannot say enough just how dangerous these things are to our community. I am grateful that the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office has such a great working relationship with the Indiana State Police. This joint investigation demonstrates how teamwork and quality efforts can lead to successful conclusions. Lives were saved by these arrests and this large-scale seizure of narcotics.”
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Anyone with illegal drug activity information is encouraged to contact the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office at 812-275-3316, the Indiana State Police Bloomington District at 812-332-4411, the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s tip line at 812-545-4700, or send an email to drugactivity@lawrencecounty.in.gov.
