Full Notification

Henry County – Proving once again that no traffic stop is “routine,” a stop for speeding early this morning led to the discovery of cash and nearly a half kilo of powdered cocaine. Pendleton Trooper Ray Otter was working traffic on I-70 this morning, shortly before 1 a.m., when he clocked a west bound BMW doing 94 M.P.H. in the 70 M.P.H. zone at the 118 mile marker.

Otter gave chase and got the car stopped around the 117 mile marker. After talking to the two males and female inside, he became suspicious. Henry County Deputy Derrick Hall was nearby with his K-9 partner Chaos. Hall led his partner around the outside of the vehicle and the dog indicated the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle officers found nearly a half kilo of powdered cocaine, a small amount of heroin, drug paraphernalia, a loaded handgun and $3800 in U.S. currency. Arrested was the driver, Michael James, age 27 of Indianapolis, along with his passengers, Morgan Paige Watters, age 23 of Indianapolis and Jose Miguel Hiarmes, age 34 of Edinburg, Texas.

The three stand charged with Possession of Cocaine, a Level 3 Felony and Possession of Paraphernalia, class “A” Misdemeanor. In addition the driver Michael James was charged with Possession of Heroin, Level 5 Felony, and Driving While Suspended with a prior conviction, class “A” Misdemeanor. The three were lodged in the Henry County Jail.

Trooper Otter was assisted at the scene by Henry County Deputies Derrick Hall and Dave Kindred, and Pendleton Troopers Brad Tucker and Earnest Paige. Anyone with information about illegal drug use is encouraged to call the Pendleton Post at 1-800-527-4752, or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Tips can be made and kept anonymous.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law