BEDFORD — A Mitchell man is facing serious felony charges following a lengthy undercover investigation by the Indiana State Police (ISP) into a methamphetamine distribution network operating within Lawrence County.
Anthony Milton Tillette Jr., 54, of Mitchell, has been charged with conspiracy to deal methamphetamine and dealing in methamphetamine, both Level 2 felonies.
According to court documents filed by ISP Detective Michael Z. Robbins, the investigation into Tillette began in 2025 after authorities received information linking him to John Tegarden, a known figure suspected of dealing large quantities of methamphetamine in the area.
The probable cause affidavit details a series of controlled buys and high-tech surveillance used to build the case:
- Controlled Buys: Between September and November 2025, investigators utilized a confidential informant to purchase varying amounts of methamphetamine from Tillette on three separate occasions.
- Wiretap Evidence: In November 2025, the Lawrence Superior Court II authorized the interception of Tillette’s phone calls. These recordings reportedly captured Tillette discussing drug prices, availability, and meeting locations with several individuals, including John Tegarden and another male.
- Surveillance: On November 24, investigators observed a meeting between Tillette and Tegarden at a Dollar General parking lot in Bedford. This followed a recorded conversation where Tegarden mentioned needing to “dig that shit up” from the woods before they could meet.
Detective Robbins noted that the intercepted communications indicated Tillette was not only dealing the drug but was a “co-conspirator” in Tegarden’s broader drug trafficking organization. Tegarden was previously arrested on November 27, 2025, on multiple felony counts related to the distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine.
In one intercepted call, Tillette was allegedly offered “zips” (ounces) of methamphetamine at a discounted rate of $165, with Tillette expressing interest in “getting in on that.”
The affidavit concludes that Tillette played a significant role in the local drug trade. Under Indiana law, a Level 2 felony carries a potential prison sentence of 10 to 30 years.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article is based on the information provided in the probable cause affidavit and does not represent a final determination of guilt or innocence.
