On Monday, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff's Office (VCSO) announced a series of arrests and drug-related charges filed.
The long-term investigation resulted in 14 individuals being charged with drug-related offenses at either the state or federal level.
Items seized include 11 firearms with extended high-capacity magazines, approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine, three pounds of cocaine, 75 grams of MDMA (ecstasy) and 347 grams of marijuana.
The full news conference with Sheriff Noah Robinson regarding the investigation, can be heard below.
This project included the Sheriff’s office, Evansville Police, Indiana State Police and the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force.
It comprises detectives from both the VCSO and the Evansville Police Department, along with task force officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).
The investigation began mid 2024. The Task Force looked into several individuals suspected of dealing large amounts of meth in the Evansville area.
Authorities used confidential informants and controlled purchases of meth, along with surveillance and traffic stops to expand the circle of targets for arrest.
Eventually, 14 individuals were charged with drug-related offenses at either the state or federal level.
State Charges:
- Rachel Ivy: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
- Kimberly Hamlet: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
- Jack Jackson: Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor)
- Christopher Youngblood: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
- Derrick Lowe: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony)
- Isaac Horne: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
- Curtis Esters: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Level 5 Felony)
- Antrea Esters: Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony)
- James Koutz: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
- Samuel Wedding: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
- Kelly Wickware: Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Serious Violent Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Level 5 Felony)
Federal Charges:
- Darnell McRath: Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine
- Dugniqio Forest: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Teshawn Baker: Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine