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Four people were arrested Tuesday afternoon, ending a six-month investigation into illicit drug dealing in Kosciusko County.
Juan "Jay" Rivera Gallegos Jr., 18, of 2942 U.S. 30E, Warsaw, is charged with dealing marijuana, a Class C felony, and is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail on $20,000 bond.
Stephen Edward Cartwright, 18, of 206 Huntington St., Syracuse, also is charged with dealing marijuana, a Class D felony, and was served with an unrelated warrant for failure to appear. He is being held in the Kosciusko County Jail in lieu of $27,000 bond.
Juan Gallegos Sr., 40, of 2942 U.S. 30E, Warsaw, is being held without bond on charges of possession of cocaine, a Class C felony, and visiting a common nuisance, a Class D felony.
Sarah Madeline Hairrell, 22, of 205 W. Center St., Warsaw, faces a misdemeanor charge of visiting a common nuisance. She is being held on $250 bond.
According to Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine, it is believed the suspects were receiving drugs via Federal Express from South Bend, although no proof has been established as to the exact mode of delivery. The drugs were allegedly transported in coolers which had the insulation cut out for packing before the containers were sealed. A half dozen such coolers were confiscated as part of the raid, Rovenstine said.
Investigators with the Kosciusko County Special Operations Team were able to identify individuals involved in the sale of illicit drugs and were able to make purchases at the residence, according to a press release.
Entry to the U.S. 30E home where all four suspects were apprehended was made by the Kosciusko County SWAT Team. A search warrant was served and police located approximately 7 ounces of cocaine, a quantity of marijuana and about $5,500 in cash inside the residence. Several items associated with gang affiliation and activity also were reportedly confiscated.
Rovenstine said this investigation is ongoing and that more arrests are expected.
Also assisting at the scene were officers from the Warsaw Police Department, Indiana State Police, the Merrillville office of the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Whitley County Drug Task Force.
