BLOOMINGTON — Eight individuals were arrested in and around Seminary Park following a targeted surveillance operation by detectives and patrol officers with the Bloomington Police Department (BPD).
The enforcement action was part of an ongoing initiative targeting the sale and use of illegal narcotics in public areas, including municipal parks and the B-Line Trail.
The individuals arrested during the operation face charges ranging from felony drug dealing to misdemeanor possession and outstanding warrants:
- Calvin S.O. Berry, 33: Dealing in a controlled substance (Level 2 felony) and possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor).
- Jessie L. Collins, 38: Dealing in cocaine (Level 2 felony) and possession of drug paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor).
- Michael S. Paulson, 60: Dealing in methamphetamine (Level 4 felony) and possession of drug paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor).
- Blake E. Cunningham, 32: Possession of methamphetamine (Level 6 felony), possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor), and possession of drug paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor).
- Tamara S. Habersham, 52: Possession of a controlled substance (Class A misdemeanor) and possession of drug paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor).
- Joseph D. Weakely, 42: Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor).
- Stacy R. Herrington, 27: Possession of drug paraphernalia (Class C misdemeanor).
- Summear D. Freeman, 46: Outstanding arrest warrant for violation of probation (originating from a Level 6 felony charge of possession of a narcotic drug).
City Officials and Law Enforcement Respond
Mayor Kerry Thomson commended BPD’s efforts while reiterating the administration’s commitment to community safety across all public spaces.
“Everyone in Bloomington deserves to be safe, to feel safe, and to be protected from harm,” Mayor Thomson said. “That promise extends to every neighborhood, every public space, and every individual in our community, including people experiencing homelessness, addiction, or crisis… Let me be clear: criminal conduct, including drug dealing, will not be tolerated in Bloomington.”
Bloomington Police Chief Michael Diekhoff confirmed that officers will continue strict law enforcement measures in public parks.
“We will continue arresting those dealing and using illegal drugs in our parks and public spaces,” Chief Diekhoff stated. “The safety of Bloomington residents and visitors remains a top priority, and the Bloomington Police Department is committed to holding individuals accountable through strict enforcement of the law.”
BPD detectives indicated that active investigations into illegal drug distribution near city parks remain ongoing, and additional arrests are anticipated.
Under Indiana law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
