Springville, IN – A major drug investigation led to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of more than seven pounds of methamphetamine this week in Lawrence County.
According to the Indiana State Police, the arrests followed a lengthy investigation involving the ISP Drug Enforcement Section and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities had received intelligence indicating John Tegarden, 48, of Springville, was allegedly distributing large quantities of meth across Lawrence and nearby counties.
On Wednesday night, troopers attempted a traffic stop on a Chevrolet SUV in Lawrence County. The driver, Terra Barber, 45, and passenger James Barber, 39, both of Ellettsville, initially attempted to flee. Police said James Barber allegedly tried to discard large amounts of methamphetamine during the pursuit. The vehicle stopped shortly after, and both were taken into custody.
Police recovered over five pounds of meth from the vehicle and the roadside. Additionally, more than three ounces of cocaine were allegedly found in their possession.
By early Thursday morning, officers executed search warrants at Tegarden’s Springville residence and another location on North Pike Road. Nearly two more pounds of meth, along with heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, syringes, and other drug-related items were reportedly seized.
Tegarden was arrested and charged with dealing methamphetamine, conspiracy to deal methamphetamine, conspiracy to deal cocaine or a narcotic drug, and several possession offenses. The Barbers were each charged with conspiracy to deal methamphetamine and conspiracy to deal cocaine or a narcotic drug.
All three suspects are being held at the Lawrence County Jail. Sheriff Greg Day commended the collaboration, noting the life-saving impact of removing such a large volume of drugs from the community.
Additional support came from the Martinsville and Bloomington Police Departments and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office.
