North Vernon arrests 15 in crackdown on drug trafficking

15 people are facing charges after a three month long crackdown on drug dealing in North Vernon, called Operation Ice Pick by police.

According to the North Vernon Police Department, the initiative began in late December and ran through this week. The operation targeted dealers, manufacturers, nuisance properties, and individuals. Police say that the focused on identifying and disrupting individuals involved in the distribution of methamphetamine, fentanyl, THC and other controlled substances.

Among the more serious charges were drug dealing, attempted drug dealing, manufacturing of methamphetamine, counterfeiting, assisting or promoting prostitution, and solicitation.

Suspects were arrested from North Vernon and nearby communities including Columbus, Edinburgh, Nashville and Seymour.

A juvenile was also arrested on charges related to distributing marijuana or THC at a school.

North Vernon drug task force commander Graham Heffelfinger said that the team is ” dismantling distribution networks in and across county lines, and we will continue to pursue those who bring dangerous drugs into our communities.” He said he is proud of the officers involved and the way they sharpened their skills to “safely and effectively take these offenders into custody.”

Those arrested include:

Cory August Beecher – Columbus
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Attempted Dealing Methamphetamine
• Possession of Marijuana
• Possession of Paraphernalia

James Lee Haller – North Vernon
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Attempted Dealing Methamphetamine

Jon Marie Little – North Vernon
• Dealing Fentanyl
• Possession of Fentanyl
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Legend Drug
• Unlawful Possession of a Syringe

John Baron Snyder – Columbus
• Dealing Methamphetamine
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Paraphernalia

Tristan Lemarr – Seymour
• Manufacturing Methamphetamine
• Dealing Methamphetamine
• Possession of Methamphetamine (
• Possession of Legend Drug
• Possession of Marijuana

Francis S. Dorn – North Vernon
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Paraphernalia

Derek R. Sarver – Edinburgh
• Assisting/Promoting Prostitution
• Counterfeiting/Forgery
• Attempt to Distribute Methamphetamine
• Possession of Marijuana

Deborah K. Reynolds – North Vernon
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Possession of Paraphernalia

Reggie D. Washam – North Vernon
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Unlawful Possession of a Syringe
• Possession of Paraphernalia

Rosie M. Jones – North Vernon
• Visiting a Common Nuisance

Jason A. Perry – North Vernon
• Possession of Methamphetamine

Sai Swaroop Ratakonda – Columbus
• Unlawful Solicitation

Mitchell Lee Waltman – Nashville
• Possession of Methamphetamine
• Resisting Law Enforcement

Juvenile – North Vernon
• Dealing Marijuana/THC (School-Related Offense)