BEDFORD – A Bedford man, Michael Corey Norman, 36, was arrested on a charge of synthetic identity deception after allegedly providing false information to police. Norman also had an active warrant out of Marion County.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by Bedford Police Officer Derek Blackwell, officers were dispatched at 8:46 a.m. on July 15th to the area of Plaza Drive and Michael Avenue regarding a male acting erratically and possibly under the influence of drugs.
Officer Blackwell was the first to arrive and locate a man, later identified as Michael Corey Norman, stumbling in the grass near the entrance of Cambridge Square Apartments. Norman appeared to be under the influence. When approached, Norman identified himself as ‘Ryan Wessell’ with a birthdate of May 6, 1993, and claimed he was meeting his mother.
During the interaction, Major Bridges observed a small baggie stuck to Norman’s back, consistent with drug packaging. Norman was detained for further investigation, though he denied drug use or possession. Bedford Police Dispatch then received a call stating that Norman had left property in the grass north of the SAIC Building on 16th Street. Officers searched the area and found Norman’s shirt and more small baggies, but no drugs.
Due to Norman’s intoxicated state, his mother was contacted and came to the scene. Norman was initially released into her custody.
However, after this interaction, Major Bridges determined that ‘Ryan Wessell’ was a false identity and that the individual was Michael Corey Norman, who had an active warrant from Marion County. Officers then attempted to locate Norman again. His mother eventually informed officers that she had dropped Norman off at an apartment in the 1000 block of 24th Street. Officers met with Norman’s mother at the apartment, who led them to Norman.
Norman was subsequently arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Jail for lodging.
A Probable Cause Affidavit outlines the initial findings and allegations that led to an arrest. Criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
