Office of the Prosecuting Attorney of Elkhart County

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Feb 02, 2010 - MARIJUANA DISTRIBUTION OPERATION DISMANTLED

The Elkhart County Interdiction & Covert Enforcement Unit (ICE) is comprised of officers from the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department, the Goshen Police Department and the Nappanee Police Department

 

“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law”

 

 

*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***

 

                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

MARIJUANA DISTRIBUTION OPERATION DISMANTLED

 

MEDIA CONTACT:  Curtis Hill Jr.  296-1888

 

On Wednesday, January 27, 2010, officers of the Elkhart County I.C.E. Unit developed information indicating that a major marijuana distribution center was operating at 59811 CR 7, Elkhart. This residence is located directly across CR 7 from the maintenance entrance to the Elkhart County Corrections Complex.

The information was investigated and developed and a search warrant application was filed with the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office.

At approximately 4:25 p.m., the search warrant was served at the CR 7 residence.

Officers seized 45 pounds of high-grade Mexican Marijuana, with estimated potential street value of $31,500. Officers also seized ten (10) grams of cocaine (estimated street value of $1,000) and $17,000 in cash. The Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office Asset Forfeiture Unit has filed the necessary paperwork to seize the cash, as well as the residence on CR 7. If the residence is forfeited, it will be sold at auction with the proceeds distributed to area law enforcement agencies through the asset sharing program of the Prosecutor’s office.

Officers arrested Melvin Hines, age 54, of that address. He has been formally charged with two counts of Dealing in Cocaine in Excess of 30 grams, both Class A Felonies, and Dealing in Marijuana in excess of 10 pounds, a Class C Felony. Hines’ bond has been set at $250,000.

Hines faces up to 110 years in prison on these charges.

                                                              

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