Undercover buy operation results in three arrests

A Dubois County operation involving a series of undercover drug purchases has resulted in the arrests of three individuals who are now facing felony charges.

The undercover controlled buys took place over the winter and early spring of 2021. In each case, an undercover officer or confidential informant contacted a suspected drug dealer, made arrangements to purchase methamphetamine, then met the suspect and purchased the drugs with marked bills. 

In a controlled buy, an undercover officer or a confidential informant arranges for and purchases drugs from a suspected drug dealer. In such investigations, the controlled buy is audio and videotaped, as well as monitored in real-time by nearby police officers.

Prosecutor Anthony Quinn said the efforts are part of Dubois County law enforcement’s commitment to removing drugs from the streets and keeping citizens safe.

“I commend our local police for their outstanding efforts in these cases,” said Quinn. “Getting drugs and even more importantly, drug dealers, off our streets is one of our top priorities.”

Those arrested include:

A 24-year-old man from Velpen who is charged with two counts dealing methamphetamine, Level 4 felony, and one count dealing methamphetamine, Level 5 felony. The man also received additional charges based on an incident that occurred when he was arrested on the dealing warrant: one count possession of methamphetamine, Level 5 felony, one count of trafficking with an inmate, Level 5 felony. He is being held on a $5,000 full cash or $10,000 surety bond and will participate in community corrections enhanced pre-trial monitoring as a condition of the bond.

A 59-year-old Jasper man is charged with two counts of dealing in methamphetamine between one and five grams with an enhancing circumstance, Level 3 felony. His bond was set at $20,000 full cash or $40,000 surety bond. He is also required to participate in community corrections enhanced pre-trial monitoring as a condition of the bond

A 44-year-old Huntingburg man is charged with two counts of dealing in methamphetamine, Level 4 felony. He also received additional charges based on an incident that occurred when he was arrested on the dealing warrant: one count possession of methamphetamine, Level 6 felony, one count maintaining a common nuisance, Level 6 felony, and one count possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor. He is being held without bond and is involved in another drug-dealing case.

Quinn also noted there are two additional warrants connected to the controlled buy operation that remain outstanding at this time.

All charges filed in these cases are merely allegations and all suspects are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.