OOLITIC — A routine traffic stop for a broken headlight on January 20, 2026, resulted in the seizure of over 200 grams of methamphetamine and the arrest of an Oolitic man on felony dealing charges.
Dakota Stinson, 31, was taken into custody following a coordinated investigation by the Indiana State Police (ISP) and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office.
The investigation began at approximately 7:30 p.m. when ISP Trooper Logan McDowell stopped a white 2016 Jeep at the intersection of Hoosier Avenue and Main Street. The vehicle, which had a headlight out and no license plate, was occupied by a female driver and a male passenger.
After Lawrence County Deputy Carter’s K9 partner, Boone, alerted to the presence of narcotics, Trooper McDowell searched the vehicle and discovered a black backpack containing roughly 27 grams of suspected methamphetamine and hypodermic syringes.
During questioning, both occupants of the Jeep pointed toward a residence in the 800 block of Smith Avenue in Oolitic.
The male passenger informed investigators he had been at the home for eight hours and witnessed Stinson conducting drug deals.
The female driver admitted that the methamphetamine in the Jeep came from Stinson. She further alleged that Stinson had planned a trip to Louisville, Kentucky, the following day to acquire a “new load” of methamphetamine.
Based on these statements, Trooper McDowell secured a search warrant for the Smith Avenue property, signed by Judge Gouty at 10:41 p.m.
The warrant was executed just minutes later at 10:47 p.m. During the search, Captain Fleetwood of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office discovered 211 grams of suspected methamphetamine and digital scales hidden inside an outdoor grill within a fenced-in yard.
Stinson was transported to the Lawrence County Jail without incident on charges of dealing meth and unlawful possession of a syringe. All evidence, including the seized narcotics, was booked at the ISP Bloomington District.
Paige Schulz, the driver, was issued a summons to appear in court and a citation for driving while suspended. The investigation remains active under the direction of the Indiana State Police.
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.
