Largest Cocaine Seizure in Marshall County History

Marshall County Prosecutor’s Office announced the completion of an operation conducted by the MCDTF in conjunction with the Indiana State Police, Marshall County Police, NET 43 and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Department.

A search warrant was executed around 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday April 3, in the 600 block of W. Quad Street, Bourbon. The warrant was obtained after a lengthy investigation that yielded the purchase and discovery of approximately 380 grams (over ¾ of a pound) of suspected Cocaine.

The search also yielded the discovery of five (5) grams of suspected methamphetamine, two digital scales, materials used for packaging, and related paraphernalia. Also discovered were four (4) suspected counterfeit United States permanent residency cards and 2 counterfeit Social Security cards.

Arrested at the location were Jackie Gomez (44) of Bourbon, Mersi Almendarez (24) of Bourbon, Holvin Morales (29) of Bourbon, Claudia Perez (22) of Bourbon, and Jeny Perez (21) of Bourbon.

Gomez is being held on a $150,000.00 cash bond on probable cause determined by Judge Matthew E. Sarber on 2 counts of Dealing in Cocaine as Level 2 felonies and 1 count of Possession of Cocaine as a Level 3 felony and Maintaining a Common Nuisance a Level 6 Felony.

Almendarez, Morales, Claudia Perez and Jeny Perez, were all booked into the Marshall County Jail on charges of Maintaining a Common Nuisance. All 4 individuals have been released on bond. Two young children were in the home and were removed and temporarily placed by Marshall County Department of Child Services.

Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman praised the coordination of the operation between all agencies involved led by the Marshall County Drug Task Force. Chipman noted that in his more than 20 years as a Marshall County Prosecutor this is one of the largest Cocaine seizures in memory. Chipman would also note and thank the efforts of Deputy Prosecutor Nicholas Langowski who has been instrumental in reorganizing and overseeing the Marshall County Drug Task Force.

Marshall County Drug Task Force Officer’s would like to commend and applaud the efforts of the other agencies who stepped up to help the Drug Task Force in executing the search warrant.

The Drug Task Force Officer’s estimate the street value of the suspected Cocaine to be over $36,000.00.

This operation highlights the commitment law enforcement agencies have in providing a safe community for the residents of Marshall County.

Readers are reminded that criminal charges are mere allegations, and that the individuals so charged are presumed innocent of the allegations unless or until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.