COLUMBUS, Ind. – The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) recently closed out a two-month drug dealing investigation in Columbus.
JNET began investigating Benji Smith, 46, and a residence at 2514 14th St., after receiving tips that drugs were possibly being sold from the home. During the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for the house on August 8. While executing the search warrant that evening, Smith left on a bicycle. As law enforcement attempted to stop him, he fled but was apprehended.
When investigators served the search warrant, Anthony Jeffares, 61 of Columbus, and Kathy Baker, 61 of Columbus, were found inside. They also allegedly located over $4,000 in cash, more than six ounces of methamphetamine, scales, drug packaging material, and other drug drug-related items.
Smith was arrested and preliminarily charged with dealing meth (level 2 felony), possession of meth (level 3 felony), maintaining a common nuisance (level 6 felony), possession of marijuana (class B misdemeanor), possession of paraphernalia (class C misdemeanor), criminal mischief (class B misdemeanor), and resisting law enforcement (class A misdemeanor).
Jeffares was arrested and preliminarily charged with maintaining a common nuisance (level 6 felony).
Baker was arrested and preliminarily charged with maintaining a common nuisance (level 6 felony), and a Hancock County warrant.
Smiteh-Courtesy-JNET/CPD
Jeffares-Courtesy-JNET/CPD
Baker-Courtesy-JNET/CPD
