North Vernon women arrested on drug charges

Two North Vernon women were arrested on drug charges as part of an Indiana State Police criminal interdiction patrol in Jennings County.

Jennifer Acree; photo courtesy of Indiana State Police
Jennifer Acree; photo courtesy of Indiana State Police

Sgt. Stephen Wheeles, Indiana State Police spokesman, says that Troopers Rick Hewitt, Randel Miller, and Brent Lykins conducted patrols near North Vernon throughout the day Sunday to look specifically for criminal offenses. During this patrol, troopers issued 10 traffic citations and 18 warnings. Wheeles says the troopers also made eight arrests on charges such as minor consumption, false informing, drug offenses and domestic battery. They also found people wanted on warrants.

Wheeles says that two arrests took place at approximately 12:50 p.m. when Trp. Lykins stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation on Norris Avenue, near White Street, in North Vernon. During the course of the traffic stop, the trooper became suspicious and asked Trp. Miller and K-9 “Jinx” to assist. Authorities say that Jinx was alerted to the odor of illegal drugs coming from the vehicle. A search reportedly revealed suspected methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia.

Louann Parton; photo courtesy of Indiana State Police
Louann Parton; photo courtesy of Indiana State Police

ISP says that the driver, 25-year-old Jennifer L. Acree, was arrested on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Her passenger, 22-year-old Louann M. Parton, was arrested on charges Possession of Heroin, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Narcotic Drug and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. In addition, police say that Parton was charged with Trafficking with an Inmate after drugs were found hidden on her while at the Jennings County Jail.