Smith
The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) closed out a two-month drug enforcement investigation with the arrest of three local suspects.
Columbus Police Department spokesman Skylar Berry said JNET began investigating Benji Smith, 46, of 2514 14th St., Columbus, after receiving tips that drugs were being sold from the home.
JNET obtained a search warrant for the house on Aug. 8, and while preparing to serve the warrant, Smith left on a bicycle, Berry said. When law enforcement attempted to stop him, he fled, but was apprehended.
When serving the search warrant, Anthony Jeffares, 61, Columbus, and Kathy Baker, 61, Columbus, were found inside the residence, Berry said. Investigators also found more than $4,000 in cash, more than 6 ounces of methamphetamine, scales, drug packaging material and other drug paraphernalia.
Smith was preliminarily charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, possession of methamphetamine, a Level 3 felony, maintaining a common nuisance, a Level 6 felony, possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor, criminal mischief, a Class B misdemeanor, and resisting law enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor.
Jeffares was preliminarily charged with maintaining a common nuisance, a Level 6 felony.
Baker was preliminarily charges with maintaining a common nuisance, a Level 6 felony.
JNET is a combined unit of the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office is targeting the manufacturing and abuse of dangerous drugs in Columbus and Bartholomew County.
