Over the last three years, law enforcement has conducted three major anti-drug operations in Johnson County, targeting nearly 100 suspected dealers.
While many of those suspected dealers have been caught and adjudicated in the county’s court system, some cases are still pending, and at least 11 people still have warrants out for their arrests on drug charges.
Here’s an update on those arrested in roundups as recently as this past March and as far back as October 2019.
March 2022 roundup
During March’s drug round-up, police were searching for more than 30 wanted individuals on a variety of drug dealing charges, but mainly methamphetamine. Police were able to arrest 20 during the initial round-up. Since then, six more have been arrested, leaving six people wanted on warrants that are outstanding to this day.
One of those who was arrested has pleaded guilty and been sentenced for dealing methamphetamine. Franklin resident Austin W. Eldridge was sentenced in June to four years, all executed, in an Indiana Department of Correction facility. He received a jail credit of 111 actual days and the sentence will be served concurrently with a prison term rendered in a separate meth possession case.
The remaining six people who are wanted from the March roundup are:
- Desiree Balsley, 37, of Indianapolis, dealing methamphetamine.
- Nathan R. Brosseit, 26, of Greenfield, three counts dealing methamphetamine.
- Joshua M. Ford, 26, of Franklin, dealing methamphetamine, unlawful possession of a firearm.
- Juanita S. King, 37, of Indianapolis, conspiracy to commit dealing methamphetamine.
- Samantha L. McDougalle, 48, of Indianapolis, two counts dealing a narcotic drug.
- Jason A. Starnes, 32, of Indianapolis, two counts dealing a controlled substance.
Operation United Front
In September 2021, county law enforcement held a round-up targetting 34 individuals facing drug dealing charges. The roundup, dubbed Operation United Front, netted 25 arrests in less than six hours on Sept. 15, 2021.
It was the first drug roundup since 2019, officials said at the time.
Of the 34 who were wanted, 14 have been sentenced to jail or prison time. Another 18 people have pending cases and two people having outstanding warrants from that operation, according to online court records.
The remaining two people who are wanted from the September 2021 roundup are:
- Jeppe W. Jensen, 41, of Avon, one count dealing meth.
- Kenneth A. Zook, 57, of Franklin, two counts dealing meth.
Operation Hocus Pocus
In October 2019, law enforcement from seven different agencies teamed up for Operation Hocus Pocus. Police targeted 33 people during the roundup and were able to arrest 22 by the afternoon of Oct. 31, 2019. The majority of those targeted were facing meth dealing charges.
Almost every person targeted in this roundup has been sentenced except for six people. Three of them — Garcia Madison, Toby D. Mullis and Kevin D. Pierce — have cases that are pending.
Three people are still wanted on outstanding warrants:
- Jeremy Kidwell, 43, of Indianapolis, one count of dealing meth.
- Dante Townsend, 36, of Indianapolis, one county of dealing in a narcotic drug.
- Terrence Wade, 30, of Columbus, one count of dealing meth.
