4 arrested in laced candy investigation on multiple charges

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

Four suspects were arrested yesterday afternoon on multiple charges in connection to recent drug-laced candy distribution at local schools.

Information is limited at this time, but according to Terre Haute Police Department, the suspects include: Dyllon Ware, 20; Levi Downden, 20; Maizie Rogers, 19; and  Orville Anderson Jr., 21.

Ware, Downden and Rogers are charged with the following:

• Dealing in a Schedule 1 (Level 2 Felony)
• Dealing in a Schedule 1 (Level 2 Felony)
• Conspiracy to Commit Dealing in a Schedule 1 (Level 2 Felony)
• Dealing in Cocaine (Level 2 Felony)
• Dealing in a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Level 2 Felony)
• Possession of Cocaine (Level 4 Felony)
•  Dealing in a Look-a-like (Level 5 Felony)
• Conspiracy to Commit Dealing in a Look-a-Like (Level 5 Felony)
• Altering Identifying Marks on a Handgun (Level 5 Felony)
•  Dealing in Marijuana (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Level 6 Felony)
•  Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance (Level 6 Felony)
• Theft of a Firearm (Level 6 Felony)
•  Theft of a Firearm (Level 6 Felony)
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of a Look-a-Like (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of Marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor) 

Anderson is charged with:

•  Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon
•  Resisting Law Enforcement
•  Possession of a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance
• Obstruction of Justice
• Visiting a Common Nuisance 

The investigation involved multiple police agencies, including the Vigo County Drug Task Force.  The Vigo County School Corp. reporteldy notified officials after several students overdosed on gummy candies that had been laced with Xanax, a schedule 4 controlled substance. 

A search warrant was obtained for a residence on the north side of the county and was executed today. After serving the search warrant at 2476 East Quinn Avenue, the investigation revealed criminal indicators larger than just a school-wide situation.

Illegal substances and firearms located and seized:

• 69.4 grams of ecstasy (MDMA)
• 6.1 grams of cocaine (powder)
• 74 Clonazepan pills
• 94.6 grams marijuana
• 28.4 grams THC wax
• 690.9 grams of suspected Xanax laced gummies
• Approximately 15 pounds of suspected K-2
• 23.6 pounds of Mimosa Root Bark
• Thousands of empty capsules
• 5 long guns
• 13 handguns, two of which were reported as stolen.

Investigators learned that the suspects possessed numerous firearms and several dogs inside the trailer and the THPD Special Response Team assisted the task force with the execution of the search warrant. 

Upon arrival, investigators discovered the suspects tried to quickly hide evidence.

"The occupants of the residence had attempted to destroy evidence of a hallucinogenic drug by pouring the liquids contained in two, one gallon containers into the toilet," according to the press release.

As a result, the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab Team arrived at the address to collect samples of the remaining liquids and make the location safe. the report states.