BEDFORD — A West Baden Springs man is facing a high-level felony charge following a sweeping Indiana State Police (ISP) investigation into a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network operating in Lawrence County.
David L. Turner, 54, is charged with conspiracy to deal methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony. The charges stem from an intensive undercover operation that utilized court-authorized wiretaps to intercept communications between Turner and the alleged ringleader of the operation, John Tegarden.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed by ISP Detective Michael Z. Robbins, investigators began monitoring Tegarden’s phone in November 2025. The surveillance revealed that Turner was not only a frequent customer but a co-conspirator in Tegarden’s drug trafficking organization.
The intercepted calls, spanning from November 19 to November 26, 2025, detail numerous transactions and coordinated efforts, including discussions regarding the purchase of “balls” (3.5 grams) and grams of methamphetamine, with Turner eventually requesting “four” (quantities estimated at four ounces) for $1,000. Turner and Tegarden coordinated deliveries in Mitchell and French Lick, including meetings at private residences.
In one recorded call, Turner allegedly discussed having an associate “rough up” or “beat” an individual who owed him money, telling Tegarden that the associate could keep the collected funds.
The affidavit highlights a significant exchange on November 23, 2025, where Turner warned Tegarden of an impending “massive” police raid. Turner relayed information he had received about an undercover investigation by the Indiana State Police in Springville and Mitchell.
“Get rid of all your phones… get rid of all the baggies… no scales whatsoever bro,” Turner was recorded advising Tegarden in an attempt to thwart law enforcement.
Despite the warning, Tegarden was arrested on November 27, 2025. Following Tegarden’s arrest, detectives continued to build their case against Turner, citing his deep involvement in the distribution chain.
Turner is no stranger to the legal system. According to court records, he has a 2015 felony conviction for dealing methamphetamine in Orange County and a 2022 felony conviction for possession of methamphetamine in Lawrence County.
If convicted of the current Level 2 Felony, Turner faces a potential sentence of 10 to 30 years in the Indiana Department of Correction.
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.
