Initial reports of a residential burglary led to the execution of a warrant to search the residence and the arrest of a man on charges of dealing in a schedule I substance and marijuana in Kokomo.
On Dec. 6 just before 10 p.m., Howard County Sheriff’s Deputy Jeremiah Jackson #34-106 conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of Berkley and Jefferson Streets when a black vehicle, driven by Malachi Peters, 27, was reportedly observed speeding through a red light and narrowly avoiding a collision with another vehicle.
During the stop, Peters reportedly informed Jackson that his residence had been burglarized, and he explained that he had left in a hurry to confront the situation and had not yet called 911.
According to reports, Jackson accompanied Peters to his apartment on Harvest Drive where evidence of forced entry was discovered, and while conducting a protective sweep for safety, Jackson observed items in plain view consistent with marijuana distribution and detected a strong odor of raw marijuana.
Following the denial of consent to search the residence, a search warrant was obtained based on the initial findings. The warrant was executed with assistance from additional deputies, which reportedly led to the seizure of approximately 8.5 pounds of marijuana and various THC products, including vape cartridges, edibles and oils, approximately 397.2 grams of psychedelic mushrooms, multiple firearms, including a Glock 43X, Maverick 12-guage shotgun and a Diamondback AR-15, $1,620 in cash and drug distribution paraphernalia, including scales, packaging materials and a money counter, various THC products, including 53 “Sweet Live” vape cartridges, 56 “Tyson Pod” cartridges, 133 “VYBE” cartridges and additional cartridges and edibles totaling hundreds of items, hash oil and related products, including nine containers labeled as hash oil, multiple mason jars with undetermined amounts of oil and various glass smoking devices, and packaging materials, including vacuum-seal freezer bags, mylar bags and small glass containers commonly associated with drug distribution.
The department released that the extensive drug inventory of seized items led deputies to believe that Peters was involved in a significant illegal drug operation. Peters was arrested and transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center where a bond was set at $50,000 and 10% was posted two days later.
Peters faces charges of Dealing in a Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, level 2 felony, Dealing in Marijuana, level 6 felony, Possession of Marijuana with Prior Conviction, level 6 felony, and Possession of a Schedule I Controlled Substance, class A misdemeanor.
Authorities reported that the investigation into the initial residential burglary is ongoing with no suspects being identified at this time. Anyone with information on the case has been encouraged to contact Jackson at 765-614-3406 or submit a tip at sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.
– Photo courtesy of HCSO