A blitz targeting criminal offenses Sunday in the North Vernon led to eight arrests, including some on drug charges, and 10 traffic citations.
Indiana State Police troopers Rick Hewitt, Randel Miller and Brent Lykins conducted the daytime patrols, one of which netted the arrests of two women on numerous drug charges after a traffic stop on Norris Avenue near White Street.
Jennifer L. Acree, 25, of North Vernon, who was driving the 2004 Chervolet Ventura, faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a hypodermic needle and possession of marijuana, while Louann N. Parton, 25, of North Vernon faces charges of possession of heroin, possession of a controlled substance and possession of a narcotic drug. Both women also face a charge of possession of paraphernalia.
The traffic stop at about 12:50 p.m. was conducted by Lykins, who said his suspicion the women were involved in criminal activity led to him asking Miller to bring his K9, Jinx, according to a news release from Sgt. Stephen Wheeles with the Indiana State Police Versailles Post.
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After the dog alerted to the odor of drugs, police searched the vehicle and found suspected methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, controlled substances and drug paraphernalia.
The two women were arrested and taken to the Jennings County Jail. During the book-in process, jailers reported finding Parton had hid drugs in her body, leading to an additional charge of trafficking with an inmate.
Both women are being held in the Jennings County Jail pending their initial hearings in Jennings Circuit Court.
During this blitz, troopers made six other arrests on numerous offenses. Some of the arrests were for minor in consumption, false informing, domestic battery and warrants.
Wheeles said the troopers were able to cite those arrested on misdemeanor charges and release them at the scene.
Numerous drug arrests also were made, and troopers also issued 10 traffic citations and 18 traffic warnings.
“The Indiana State Police is dedicated to actively pursuing those who are engaged in criminal activity in the communities we serve,” the news release stated. “We will continue to target those areas and communities where criminals choose to operate.”