A months-long investigation into drug activity in southern Indiana has led to the arrests of 18 people and the disruption of a regional drug network. The operation primarily focused on individuals distributing illegal drugs in Switzerland County, Indiana.
The investigation was led by the Indiana State Police and involved multiple agencies, including the Switzerland County Sheriff’s Department, Lawrenceburg Police Department, Indiana Conservation Officers, and prosecutors from Switzerland, Dearborn, and Ohio counties.
Arrested individuals face charges ranging from dealing and possessing methamphetamine or narcotics to maintaining a common nuisance, obstruction of justice, and various misdemeanors. Many also face additional charges including auto theft, neglect of a dependent, and assisting a criminal.
Notable arrests include:
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Wayne Cochran, 43, Patriot, IN: Dealing methamphetamine (Level 2), conspiracy, possession, maintaining a nuisance, assisting a criminal.
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Randy Wallace, 44, Cleves, OH: Dealing methamphetamine (Level 2), possession (Level 3), auto theft.
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Laicee Houglin, 27, Independence, KY: Dealing methamphetamine (Level 2), possession (Level 3).
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Daniel Hall III, 52, Patriot, IN: Multiple methamphetamine charges, obstruction of evidence.
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Donald Judd, 48, Aurora, IN: Narcotics dealing, possession, auto theft, maintaining nuisance.
Additional suspects from Patriot, IN, face various felony and misdemeanor charges related to methamphetamine possession, paraphernalia, false informing, and visiting or maintaining a common nuisance.
Authorities described the arrests as a significant step in disrupting drug distribution across state lines in southern Indiana. The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be forthcoming as the case develops.