Tuesday at approximately 10:00 a.m., an Indiana State Police Trooper stopped a gold Chevrolet Equinox on Interstate 70 near the 41 mile marker for a traffic violation of following too close.  

The driver was identified as Joshua Gomez, 21, San Diego, CA. During a conversation with Gomez, the trooper observed criminal indicators.

He was Arrested and Charged with:

1. Dealing Heroin Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Heroin Level 3 Felony

The Putnam County Sheriff’s office was requested for assistance with a canine. 

Upon the unit’s arrival and during the traffic stop, the canine gave an alert to the officers of an indication of an illegal substance.

 A subsequent search of the vehicle discovered that Gomez was transporting approximately 6.2 pounds of heroin concealed in the vehicle.

The estimated street value of the heroin is $225,000 and was being transported from California to Ohio.  

Joshua Gomez was transported to the Putnam County Jail. 

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

A tip leads the Indiana State Police to arrest three on Meth charges, including dealing in the drug. 

Sunday at approximately 6:30 pm, Trooper Kyle Taylor and Trooper Tyler Matthew, along with Austin City Police, arrived at 44 Rural Street in Austin after receiving an anonymous tip about possible drug activity at that address.

During the course of the Trooper’s investigation, consent was given for a search of the residence, and as a result of the search Troopers located over 18 grams of methamphetamine along with marijuana, syringes, and paraphernalia.

As a result of their investigation the following were arrested and remanded into the custody of the Scott County Jail. 

Gilbert Sizemore, 40, Austin, Indiana: Dealing in Methamphetamine at least 10 grams – Level 2 Felony,Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 4 felony, Unlawful Possession of Syringe – Level 6 felony,Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 felony, Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor, and Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor.

Charly Young, 22, and Elizabeth Hardcastle, 26, both of Austin: Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony, Possession of a Syringe – Level 6 Felony,  Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony. 

Due to lack of information from various sources, there was an error with a story reported on wslmradio.com last week regarding fines allegedly owed by Hanson Aggregates.

Due to continued litigation and motions filed by Hanson Aggregates, the potential fines we reported from the DNR Notice of Violation have not been levied against Hanson at this time.

“Your article failed to report that Hanson filed an administrative appeal that challenged the Notice of Violation (NOV) that DNR issued in 2017,” wrote local attorney John Mead, who represents Hanson Aggregates.  “Litigation over the administrative appeal continues. Per the terms of the NOV, the filing of the administrative appeal renders that NOV still and not effective; thus, contrary to the statements in the article, Hanson does not owe $489,000. No such fine has been levied.”

“Hanson will continuously and vigorously defend its interests against the DNR’s NOV, and will otherwise comment no further on this active litigation,” wrote Mead.  

WSLM regrets the error and had no malice in the erroneous reporting from the DNR document.

Join WSLM for the LIVE broadcast with Matt Abbott and Richie Collins as they provide the play-by-play, color and stats for this historic game for the Salem Lady Lions.

Tune in about 6p for the pre-game show and 6:30p for the tipoff.

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The Evansville District All Crimes Policing (A.C.P.) squad seized over 8 pounds of pot and almost 1.5 pounds of Meth in 2018.

The ACP aggressively focuses on criminal activity and apprehending suspects involved in illegal activity.

The A.C.P. squad consists of five troopers, a K-9 and their supervising sergeant. Evansville District Commander Lieutenant Brian Bailey created this special squad three years ago to conduct criminal patrols for drug activity and other crimes throughout the district.

They work closely with the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section, Indiana State Parole and local law enforcement agencies on drug investigations.

The squad also assists other agencies with tracking down and apprehending wanted fugitives within the Evansville District.

2018 Activity:

• Traffic Contacts (Citations and Warnings): 4,331
• Driving While Intoxicated Arrests: 35
• Criminal Defendants Arrested: 378
• Felony Arrests: 285
• Misdemeanor Arrests: 636

Several other highlights throughout 2018 include:

• Discovered a high grade marijuana distribution ring in the Princeton and Evansville area, which lead to 20 criminal defendants and the seizure of more than two pounds of marijuana. A shipment of marijuana was being shipped into our area weekly from California. This investigation continues.
• Seized 649 grams of methamphetamine. (1.49 pounds)
• Seized 3,772 grams of marijuana. (8.3 pounds)
• Seized heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, K2 and controlled substances.
• Arrested 8 individuals for dealing narcotics.
• Recovered two stolen vehicles.
• Assisted in the arrest of two murder suspects.
• 10 criminal apprehensions by the K-9 unit, including tracking and numerous building searches.
• Over 50 school appearances/programs.

The A.C.P. Squad consists of the following troopers:

• Sergeant Kevin Ellison
• Trooper Michael Finney and his K-9, Boomer
• Trooper Ross Rafferty
• Trooper Hunter Manning
• Trooper Brent Gramig