Prosecutor: Franklin County Meth Was Being Supplied From Georgia

By Mike Perleberg (Franklin County, Ind.) - Six people face charges in Franklin County for their alleged involvement in a multi-state methamphetamine distribution ring. “This investigation uncovered that a staggering amount of meth was flowing into Franklin County from hundreds of miles away,” said Franklin County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp. “The Indiana State Troopers involved should be saluted for their hard work and diligence in this case.” The investigation by Indiana State Police began in February 2016 when an undercover officer and confidential informant bought meth from Krista Richardson, of Franklin County, according to a probable cause affidavit filed March 7 in Franklin Circuit Court. Investigators later learned that Richardson was being supplied the drug by Roy Peters, 52, of Metamora. Search warrants were served at both Richardson and Peters’ residences. State police discovered large quantities of meth in the two homes. Investigators also obtained a warrant to search Peters’ phone, which contained evidence that Peters was regularly receiving meth from Macon, Georgia. Through a series of interviews, state police learned that Peters and Laura Werner, 31, of Connersville, would drive from Indiana to Georgia to obtain meth, usually between 36 and 48 grams. They were allegedly provided the drug by Macon resident Luther Gage Herndon and his girlfriend Casey M. Ploof. One of the weekly drug running trips was allegedly made by Lola Sells, 52, and Lincoln Johnson, 42, both of Sunman. Detectives learned from cell phone records that Peters and Sells were partners in the illegal enterprise. Huerkamp says all seven of the suspects are in custody in either Indiana or in Georgia. They each face a charge of Conspiracy to Deal in Methamphetamine (level 2 felony), which is punishable by 10 to 30 years in prison if convicted. Richardson previously pleaded guilty to the dealing charge. She is serving a 17 1/2 year sentence. Huerkamp emphasized that at this point the charges are merely accusations, and that all 6 defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But he noted that the investigation is still ongoing, and that additional suspects and charges could be forthcoming.