Commercial Vehicle Inspection finds estimated $5-Million in Illegal Drugs

Vigo County - Tuesday morning around 10:30, an Indiana State Trooper with Commercial Vehicle Enforcement stopped a tractor-trailer at the eastbound scales located at the 1 mile-marker for a routine DOT inspection. During conversations with the driver the trooper noticed several criminal indicators.   

After consent from the driver, a search of the tractor-trailer was conducted. Troopers found 220-pounds of suspected cocaine and 65-pounds of suspected methamphetamine. The drugs were located inside the trailer in travel bags. Estimated street value of the illegal drugs is approximately $5-Million. The tractor-trailer was loaded with aluminum crates and was traveling from California to Ohio.

The driver of the commercial vehicle was incarcerated in the Vigo County jail for the following charges.

Arrested:         Ravninder Singh Kaler, age 22, of Bakersfield, California

Charges:         Dealing Narcotics (felony) 

                       Possession of Narcotics (felony)

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.


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Traffic stop leads to arrest of Hammond man

On October 20, 2018, at 9:24 a.m. Deputy Jennifer Loesch conducted a traffic stop on a Silver 2006 Honda Odyssey for speeding on US 41 near CR 300 South. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Loesch detected the odor of burnt Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle at that point she began a roadside investigation that resulted in the driver 30 year old Chuntzie Carter of Hammond being taken into custody. Mr. Carter was transported to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Possession of a Firearm without a Permit and Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License. Mr. Hammond has since posted a $1300 bond. 

Assisting Deputy Loesch in her investigation was Deputy U.B. Smith. 

All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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AUTOPSY UPDATE FROM WABASH COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE

UPDATE FROM THE WABASH COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE

Following an autopsy of the skeletal remains found on October 23, 2018 in a farm field north of Mt. Carmel, Illinois no definitive cause of death could be determined.  Further examination will be completed by a Forensic Anthropologist and a Forensic Odontologist to help determine the cause of death and identity to the skeletal remains.  This is an ongoing investigation and no other information will be given at this time.  We will update you as more information becomes available.  Resources working this case include the Wabash County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, Crime Scene Unit & Investigations Unit and the Wabash County Coroner’s Office.

Man Arrested For Failing To Update Status As Violent Offender Against Youth

10/25/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 39 year old Christopher B. Cash of Mt. Carmel after police discovered that he had failed to update his status as a violent offender against youth.  Cash is required to check in yearly with the Mt. Carmel Police Department and had failed to do so by 15 days.  Cash was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was held pending the posting of bond.  

 

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Mt. Carmel Man Picked Up On Probation Violation Warrant

10/23/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 31 year old Carl P. Pierce of Mt. Carmel on a $500.00 Wabash County violation of probation warrant.  Pierce was observed in the 800 block of W. 9th Street and the arresting officer knew Pierce was wanted on the warrant.  Pierce was arrested and transported to the Wabash County Jail where he was served the warrant. Pierce was held pending the posting of bond.

 

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Domestic Leads To Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Man

10/21/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 28 year old Dillion Maier of Mt. Carmel after police were notified of a domestic situation at 1901 N. Cherry Street.  Maier is accused of pulling the hair and punching a family member.  Police were able to locate Maier and placed him under arrest.  Maier was transported to the Wabash County Jail and held pending the posting of bond.

 

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Batterton Arrested on Meth Charge

10/20/2018-Mt. Carmel Police arrested 35 year old Derek L. Batterton of Mt. Carmel after he was found to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine.  Police came into contact with Batterton after police were notified of a male subject laying on the ground in the 400 block of Market Street.  Batterton was treated by EMS and then taken to the Wabash County Jail where he was charged with possession of methamphetamine. Batterton is being held pending the posting of bond.

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UPDATE FROM WABASH COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE

UPDATE FROM WABASH COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE

 

WE ARE CONTINUING OUR INVESTIGATION IN REFERENCE TO SKELETAL REMAINS THAT WERE FOUND ON 10-23-2018 IN A FARM FIELD NORTH OF MT. CARMEL, ILLINOIS.  THE WABASH COUNTY CORONER, SHAUN KEEPES HAS IDENTIFIED THE SKELETAL REMAINS TO BE THOSE OF HUMAN REMAINS.  IT IS TOO SOON IN OUR INVESTIGATION TO GIVE ANY FURTHER INFORMATION.  AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, 10-26-2018 AT THE WABASH COUNTY CORONER’S OFFICE.  RESOURCES WORKING THIS CASE INCLUDE THE WABASH COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE, THE ILLINOIS STATE POLICE, CRIME SCENE UNIT & INVESTIGATIONS AS WELL AS THE WABASH COUNTY CORONERS OFFICE.

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Investigation Continues Into Possible Discovery of Human Remains

On 10-23-18 at 1:46 P.M. the Wabash County Sheriff's Office responded to a farm field north of Mt. Carmel referencing possible human remains.  Resources from the Illinois State Police have been requested, Crime Scene Unit and Investigations, as well as the Wabash County Coroner's Office. Authorities remain on scene today. An update will be provided when available.