By MIKE FLETCHER
Kokomo police arrested 11 people Tuesday and Wednesday on a number of felony drug charges in connection with a two-month investigation.
Charges range from dealing cocaine to manufacturing methamphetamine to child neglect, Sgt. Tonda Cockrell said Wednesday as officers of the KPD’s drug task force unit wrapped up the investigation.
In the end, police arrested 11 people, including two juveniles. Most of the charges were the result of warrants obtained by the task force.
Police also seized three vehicles and approximately $600 in cash during the investigation.
Officers served the first warrant about 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at 1500 block of South Plate Street, where they arrested Joshua Moore, 23, and Shannon Moore, 24.
Joshua faces four counts of dealing in a controlled substance and possession of a syringe, maintaining a common nuisance and two counts of child neglect. Shannon faces two counts of child neglect, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of a syringe.
The Moores had three children in an apartment where drug activity took place, according to police. The children were removed and placed into the custody of Child Protective Services.
From there, police traveled to Holly Apartments on South Goyer Road and arrested River C. Wells, 56, on several warrants for dealing in a controlled substance and dealing in cocaine.
Anonymous reports of drug activity at Wells’ residence led police to the apartment complex.
On Tuesday, police also arrested Jake Beck, 18, Larry Hellyer, 25, and James Bright, 40, on a variety of drug charges, including dealing in meth and dealing in cocaine.
Then on Wednesday, police arrested Patrick Walker, 23, during a traffic stop on U.S. 31 on warrants for dealing meth, Cockrell reported.
The investigation then led to Walker’s trailer in Village Green Trailer Park on U.S. 31, just south of Ind. 26, where police say they found a working methamphetamine lab. There, police arrested Sarah Lamm, 35, on numerous charges, including dealing meth and child neglect. Police said two juveniles also were detained at the trailer on marijuana charges and turned over to the Robert J. Kinsey Youth Center.
Also arrested was Steven Howey, 1600 block of South Plate Street, on a Superior Court 1 warrant for dealing a controlled substance, two counts of dealing a controlled substance and maintaining a common nuisance.
The Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab team assisted in dismantling the lab.
KPD Capt. Robert Salinas said the investigation continues with additional warrants pending.
• Mike Fletcher is the Kokomo Tribune crime reporter. He can be reached at 765-454-8565 or mike.fletcher@kokomotribune.com.
