Indiana, November 26, 2025
Eighteen individuals were arrested in a drug trafficking investigation in southeastern Indiana, targeting methamphetamine distribution. The operation, led by the Indiana State Police, resulted in multiple felony charges for the suspects, including dealing and possession of methamphetamine. This effort is part of ongoing actions by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking in the area, highlighting the collaborative work between local, state, and federal agencies.
18 Arrested in Indiana Drug Trafficking Investigation
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Eighteen individuals have been arrested following a comprehensive investigation into drug trafficking in southeastern Indiana. The operation, led by the Indiana State Police, focused primarily on Switzerland County and surrounding areas. The charges against the suspects include dealing and conspiring to deal methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, and various other related offenses.
Details of the Arrests
The arrested individuals face a range of charges, including:
- Wayne Cochran, 43, Patriot, Indiana: Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony; Conspiracy to Deal Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony; Assisting a Criminal, Level 6 Felony; False Informing, Class B Misdemeanor; Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor.
- Randy Wallace, 44, Cleves, Ohio: Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony; Auto Theft, Level 6 Felony; False Identity Statement, Class A Misdemeanor.
- Laicee Houglin, 27, Independence, KY: Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony; False Identity Statement, Class A Misdemeanor.
- Daniel Hall III, 52, Patriot, IN: Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony; Conspiracy to Deal Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 4 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony; Obstruction of Evidence, Level 6 Felony; Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor.
- Donald Judd, 48, Aurora, IN: Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, Level 2 Felony; Auto Theft, Level 5 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony; Possession of a Syringe, Level 6 Felony; Possession of Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor; Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor.
- Roxann Boatman, 26, Patriot, IN: Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, Level 2 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor; Possession of Paraphernalia, Class A Misdemeanor.
- Jarrod Courtney, 28, Patriot, Indiana: Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony (2 counts); Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony; Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony; Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor; Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor (2 counts); Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor.
- Aaliyah Fisk, 22, Patriot, Indiana: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony (2 counts); Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony; Possession of Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony; Obstruction of Justice, Level 6 Felony; Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor; Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor.
- Justin Vansickle, 40, Patriot, Indiana: Arrested on Felony Warrants.
- Whitney Vansickle, 37, Patriot, Indiana: Assisting a Criminal, Level 6 Felony; Possession of a Controlled Substance, Level 6 Felony; Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor; False Informing, Class B Misdemeanor.
- Richard Turner, 46, Patriot, Indiana: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony; Assisting a Criminal, Level 6 Felony; False Informing, Class B Misdemeanor; Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor.
- Ashlie Gillespie, 22, Patriot, Indiana: Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor.
- Mark Robinson, 38, Patriot, Indiana: Possession of a Syringe, Level 6 Felony; Possession of a Controlled Substance, Level 6 Felony; Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor.
- Elisha Courter, 44, Patriot, Indiana: Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor.
- Elbea Couch, 58, Patriot, Indiana: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony; Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor; Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor.
- Logan Couch, 22, Patriot, Indiana: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony; Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Level 6 Felony; Assisting a Criminal, Level 6 Felony; False Informing, Class B Misdemeanor.
- Damien Couch, 25, Patriot, Indiana: Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony; Criminal Recklessness, Class A Misdemeanor; False Informing, Class B Misdemeanor.
- Jayme Johnston, 39, Patriot, Indiana: Assisting a Criminal, Level 6 Felony; False Informing, Class B Misdemeanor.
Background
This operation is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking in Indiana. In previous operations, authorities have seized significant quantities of drugs and firearms, leading to numerous arrests and convictions. For instance, in March 2024, fifteen individuals were sentenced to over 175 years in federal prison for their roles in a large drug trafficking operation based in Kokomo, Indiana.
Ongoing Efforts
Authorities continue to monitor and investigate drug trafficking activities across the state. The collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies remains crucial in dismantling drug distribution networks and ensuring community safety.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What were the charges against the 18 individuals arrested in Indiana?
The charges included dealing and conspiring to deal methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, and various other related offenses.
Which areas were primarily targeted in the investigation?
The investigation focused primarily on Switzerland County and surrounding areas in southeastern Indiana.
How many individuals were arrested in this operation?
A total of 18 individuals were arrested during the operation.
What is the significance of this operation in the context of Indiana’s efforts against drug trafficking?
This operation is part of a broader effort by law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking in Indiana, contributing to the dismantling of drug distribution networks and enhancing community safety.
Have there been similar operations in Indiana recently?
Yes, in March 2024, fifteen individuals were sentenced to over 175 years in federal prison for their roles in a large drug trafficking operation based in Kokomo, Indiana.
Summary of Key Features of the Drug Trafficking Investigation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Arrests | 18 individuals |
| Primary Location | Switzerland County, Indiana |
| Main Charges | Dealing and conspiring to deal methamphetamine; possession of methamphetamine |
| Ongoing Law Enforcement Efforts | Collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies to combat drug trafficking |
| Previous Operations | Numerous arrests and convictions, including 15 individuals sentenced to over 175 years in federal prison in March 2024 |
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