LAWRENCE CO. — A multi-agency investigation culminating in a high-speed pursuit and the execution of search warrants has resulted in the largest seizure of methamphetamine in Lawrence County history, leading to the arrest of three individuals on multiple Level 2 Felony dealing charges.
The operation, led by the Indiana State Police (ISP) Drug Enforcement Section (DES) with critical assistance from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), targeted an alleged large-scale drug distribution network operating in Lawrence and surrounding counties.
The cooperative investigation came to a head on the night of Wednesday, November 26, when law enforcement officers attempted to stop a Chevrolet SUV occupied by two suspects, James Barber, 39, of Ellettsville, and Terra Barber, 45, of Ellettsville.
The vehicle initially attempted to evade police, speeding up to elude the interdiction team. During the brief pursuit, James Barber, the passenger, was observed trying to destroy evidence by dumping large quantities of methamphetamine out of the window.
When the vehicle eventually stopped, both James and Terra Barber were taken into custody. Investigators successfully recovered and seized over five pounds of methamphetamine from both the roadside and inside the SUV. Furthermore, the Barbers were found to have more than three ounces of cocaine.
Search Warrants Yield Heroin, Fentanyl, and More Meth
The investigation continued into the pre-dawn hours of Thursday, November 27, when detectives obtained and executed search warrants for two separate Lawrence County locations: the residence of the main suspect, John Tegarden, 48, of Springville, on the 5000 block of State Road 54, and a second location on the 100 block of North Pike Road.
The searches recovered nearly two additional pounds of methamphetamine, over half an ounce of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, a small amount of marijuana, hypodermic syringes, drug paraphernalia, and other items related to drug dealing.
All three suspects were arrested and booked into the Lawrence County Jail:
John Tegarden, 48, of Springville, is facing charges of dealing meth, conspiracy to deal meth, conspiracy to deal a narcotic drug, and possession of meth and a narcotic drug.
James Barber, 39, of Ellettsville, is facing charges of conspiracy to deal meth and conspiracy to deal a narcotic drug.
Terra Barber, 45, of Ellettsville, is facing charges of conspiracy to deal meth and conspiracy to deal a narcotic drug.
A Level 2 felony in Indiana carries a potential sentence of 10 to 30 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $10,000.
Sheriff Praises Agencies for Saving Lives
Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day commended the exhaustive efforts of the collaborating agencies.
“The amount of time and effort investigators poured into this case is nothing short of amazing,” Sheriff Day stated. “The impact of seizing such a large amount of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin/fentanyl in our rural community cannot be overstated. These investigators and involved officers from multiple agencies have saved lives.”
Assisting in the investigation were the Martinsville Police Department, the Bloomington Police Department, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities encourage anyone with information on illegal drug activity to submit tips to the Indiana State Police, the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office tip line, or its “submit a tip” feature on the Sheriff’s App, or the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Tip Line.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
