Earlier this past week, the Indiana State Police and the Lawrence County HIT (Highway Interdiction Team) concluded an investigation into a report of methamphetamine dealing in Greene County.
ISP had received information that James T. Merriman, 47, of Burnette Lane Springville, was involved in dealing methamphetamine from his residence.
The ensuing investigation included interviews, surveillance, and traffic stops.
On Wednesday evening, Trp. Chance Humphrey observed a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet Tahoe in the area.
The driver was identified as Joey Jacobs, 35, of Spencer. During the stop, indicators of criminal activity were observed.
Officer Shaun Cabral of the HIT Team, deployed his canine, “Jack”, who gave a positive alert on the vehicle.
The officers’ continuing investigation revealed that Jacobs was in possession of drug paraphernalia (pipe) that contained methamphetamine residue.
Trp. Humphrey arrested Jacobs for Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony) and Possession of Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor).
Jacobs was incarcerated at the Greene County Jail.
Utilizing the information garnered during the investigation, Trp. Caleb Garvin applied for and received a search warrant for Merriman’s residence. Trooper Garvin, Trp. Humphrey, Officer Cabral, Trp. Cody Brown, and ISP Sgt. Greg Day, executed the search warrant and located Merriman inside of his camper.
Approximately 3 grams of methamphetamine, 10 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, scales, baggies, and other evidence of dealing was seized at the residence.
Trp. Garvin arrested Merriman for Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 5 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor).
Merriman was incarcerated at the Greene County Jail.
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
