Indiana State Police Drug Investigation Nets Multiple Arrests and Large Quantity of Methamphetamine

Lawrence County – Indiana State Police Bloomington District A.C.E.S. (Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Section) and the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section conducted multiple drug investigations yesterday in Lawrence County. These investigations resulted in the arrest of three people and the seizure of approximately 6 ounces of methamphetamine. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department, Bedford Police Department, and the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office assisted in the investigations.

In the early afternoon hours, Sgt. Greg Day conducted a traffic stop along Mitchell Road after recognizing the driver, Michael P. Blanton, 42 of Orleans as being wanted on active warrants for dealing methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of marijuana. Troopers Chris Griggs and Chance Humphrey assisted with the stop and arrested Blanton on the active warrants. 

During this stop, Lawrence County Officer Andrew Phillips arrived and deployed his canine, Niko, who gave a positive alert on the vehicle. Items of evidence were recovered during the search. Blanton was incarcerated in the Lawrence County Jail, where he is being held without bond for the warrants. 

Blanton is also facing new local charges of Dealing Methamphetamine.

Later that afternoon, ISP DES Detectives were continuing their lengthy investigation of methamphetamine dealing at 1609 16^th Street in Bedford. Detectives observed a vehicle leaving that residence being driven by Robert Pavey, 31 of Bedford. Detectives knew Pavey’s driving status was that of a Habitual Traffic Violator. 

Troopers Griggs and Humphrey conducted a traffic stop along “O” Street and John Williams Boulevard on the vehicle. While troopers observed indicators of criminal activity, Bedford Police Officer Jesse Crane arrived and deployed his canine, Max, who gave a positive alert for the presence of narcotics in Pavey’s vehicle. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in officers locating 47 grams of methamphetamine. 

Pavey was arrested for Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), and Habitual Traffic Violator (Level 6 Felony).

He was incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail.

ISP DES Detectives applied for and were granted a search warrant for the residence at 1609 16^th Street in Bedford.  Detectives, along with Sgt. Day, Troopers Griggs, Humphrey, Caleb Garvin, and Sam Gillespie, executed the search warrant around 9:00pm. The search resulted in the seizure of 116 grams of methamphetamine, 25 grams of marijuana, several syringes, and drug paraphernalia. Troopers arrested the homeowner, Timothy A. Brinegar, 55 of Bedford, for Dealing Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 3 Felony), Possession of Hypodermic Syringes (Level 6 Felony), Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor), and Possession of Paraphernalia (C Misdemeanor). 

Brinegar was incarcerated at the Lawrence County Jail.

The Indiana State Police encourages anyone with drug information to contact the ISP Bloomington Post at 812-332-4411. Your tip can remain confidential and could save a life!

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.