Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
SYRACUSE - Conservation officers arrested two people Saturday after allegedly smelling marijuana burning on their boat.
The two arrested were Berry L. Sexton, 33, Goshen, and Christine M. Oehme, 35, Elkhart. They are both free on bond.
Sexton was charged with possession of a controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and refusal to submit to a chemical test. Oehme was charged with possession of marijuana.
Two conservation officers reported they were patrolling Lake Wawasee Saturday when they allegedly smelled burning marijuana coming from the area of a sand bar.
The officers investigated the only boat in the area, which was occupied by Sexton and Oehme. They also reportedly found empty alcoholic containers on the deck of the boat.
One officer asked Sexton to take a chemical test to see if he was under the influence of a drug besides alcohol, but Sexton refused.
Both Sexton and Oehme agreed to let officers search the boat. During the search, the officers allegedly found a clear glass vial with white powder in it believed to be cocaine, and three burnt cigarettes that allegedly smelled of marijuana. Tests later verified that the white powder was cocaine.
