Bloomington – Last night just before 9pm, Indiana State Troopers Allen Deel and Chris Griggs were conducting a patrol as part of the Bloomington District ACES (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) on the newly opened I-69, just south of Bloomington. Trooper Griggs stopped a vehicle for traveling 72mph in the reduced 45mph zone where the interstate begins to merge with SR 37.
During the course of the traffic stop, Trooper Griggs became suspicious of additional criminal activity. Trooper Deel and Trooper Griggs spoke to the three occupants of the vehicle, but received conflicting stories from the occupants.
Trp. Deel deployed his K-9 partner, Drogos, who alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed 25 pounds of marijuana, over $17,000 in cash and a loaded firearm. In addition, one of the passengers was wanted on an active arrest warrant.
Further investigation revealed two of the occupants were from the Evansville area and were on their way to Indianapolis with the marijuana. Further evidence uncovered led to the arrest of the occupants for dealing in marijuana.
ARRESTED -
Brian M. Steiner, 32 of Evansville, charged with;
1) Dealing in Marijuana over 10lbs, Level 5 Felony
2) Maintaining Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony
3) Possession of Marijuana, A-Misdemeanor
Kelli J. Steiner, 29 of Evansville, charged with;
1) Dealing in Marijuana over 10lbs, Level 5 Felony
2) Maintaining Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony
3) Possession of Marijuana, A-Misdemeanor
Joshua L. Burgess, 34 of Indianapolis, charged with;
1) Dealing in Marijuana over 10lbs, Level 5 Felony
2) Visiting Common Nuisance, B-Misdemeanor
3) Possession of Marijuana, A-Misdemeanor
All three were transported to, processed and lodged at the Monroe County Jail.
PHOTO 1 – ISP K9 Drogos sitting with evidence seized.
PHOTO 2 – Kelli Steiner
PHOTO 3 – Brian Steiner
PHOTO 4 - Joshua Burgess
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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