ELWOOD — A Madison County magistrate ordered four of six people arrested on methamphetamine-related charges to be held on $100,000 cash bond because of the gravity of their suspected crimes.
On Wednesday, Elwood police arrested six people suspected of making, dealing or possessing meth. Those arrested were:
u Roger S. Purnell, 30, charged Thursday with aiding in dealing meth, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of meth.
u Teela M. Purnell, 27, arrested on suspicion of possession of paraphernalia and maintaining a common nuisance.
u Brian S. Simms, 32, charged with aiding in dealing meth.
u Rickie L. Beeman Jr., 36, charged with dealing meth and possession of chemical reagents or precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.
u Kevin W. Wilkerson, 44, charged with dealing meth, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of chemical reagents or precursors with intent to manufacture a controlled substance.
u Michelle I. Frye, 28, charged with possessing meth, illegal drug labSMcGrath 7/2/09 cq charge and maintaining a common nuisance.
Purnell posted bond and was released late Wednesday. But during initial court hearings for the remaining five on Thursday, Magistrate Stephen Clase ordered the bonds of four of the suspects — Frye, Wilkerson, Beeman and Simms — set at $100,000 cash.
“The manufacturing of methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous process, and the defendant is a danger to the community,” Clase wrote in the court documents.
Even if Beeman and Wilkerson were able to come up with $100,000, neither would be released. Beeman allegedly violated his probation by getting arrested, and Wilkerson is currently on parole.
According to court documents:
Elwood officers received a tip shortly before 3:30 a.m. Wednesday about a possible meth lab at the Purnells home in the 2400 block of South H Street. Officers discovered meth inside the home and both Purnells admitted to letting Simms and Frye use the home to make the drug. The Purnells received a portion in return.
During a search of Simms’ and Frye’s home at Forest Glen Apartments, officers discovered a lab used to make the drug.
Later Wednesday, officers received another tip of a possible meth lab at a home in the 1700 block of North C Street. A search of the residence revealed several ingredients used to make meth, and Beeman, who lives at the home, was taken into custody. A woman living at the residence, Kim Heaton, 27, was arrested on outstanding warrants from Tipton and Grant counties.
Later Wednesday, the investigation revealed a third meth lab in an apartment above a garage in the 400 block of South 33rd Street. There officers found Kevin Wilkerson, as well as equipment and ingredients used to make the drug. Wilkerson told police he has made meth three times during the last three weeks. He implicated Beeman and Heaton as helping him get the ingredients.
Contact Shawn McGrath: 640-4883, shawn.mcgrath@heraldbulletin.com
Cops, courts and fires
Judge orders $100,000 bond for 4 meth suspects
- Cops, courts and fires
-
-
Arrest Log: Feb. 13
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Saturday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers, but are not final until the Madison County prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
-
Muncie mayor keeps pledge, reopens 2 fire houses
Muncie Mayor Dennis Tyler has reopened two closed fire stations, keeping a promise he made in his successful campaign last fall.
-
Arrest Log: Feb. 12
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Friday and Saturday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers but are not final until the Madison County prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
-
Indiana judge dismisses charges against ex-Pitt coach
An Indiana judge has dismissed a domestic battery charge against former Notre Dame offensive coordinator Michael Haywood, who served briefly as Pittsburgh's head football coach before the case led to his firing.
-
Man sentenced to 40 years for sex with teen
A man convicted of having a sexual relationship with a minor was sentenced Monday to 40 years in prison.
-
Brother allegedly stabs brother in Elwood
Another brother-on-brother stabbing occurred in Elwood Thursday, according to Elwood Police Department Chief Sam Hanna.
-
Arrest log: Feb. 11
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Wednesday through Friday, based on jail records.
-
Police: Man stabbed by brother
Police responded to the report of a stabbing early Thursday morning.
-
Arrest log: Feb. 9
Arrests made by Madison County law enforcement on Wednesday and Thursday, based on Madison County Jail records. Charges are recommended by arresting officers, but are not final until the Madison County Prosecutor reviews the case and files official charges.
-
Police report human remains in Grant County
Human remains were uncovered by police Thursday morning in Grant County.
- More Cops, courts and fires Headlines
-
Arrest Log: Feb. 13
