GREENFIELD- An Indiana State Trooper was patrolling I-70 near Mount Comfort Road Sunday afternoon when an eastbound semi caught his attention. This trooper is certified to perform Federal Motor Carrier Inspections on commercial vehicles. At 1:19 p.m., February 18, 2024, the trooper pulled over a semi to perform an inspection. Part of the inspections includes a review of the required paperwork and log book, which revealed a log book violation. While interacting with the driver and co-driver, the trooper noticed criminal indicators that, based on his training and experience, led him to ask for consent to search the semi, which the driver agreed to.
The trooper located dozens of packages he suspected to be cocaine. A field test later confirmed his suspicion that the substance was cocaine. The drugs were in boxes of onions, among other produce in the trailer. The driver of the semi and the passenger were both arrested and transported to the Hancock County Jail on probable cause of possession of 184 pounds of cocaine.
The Hancock County Prosecutor’s office has reviewed the case and subsequently filed formal charges against both individuals in Hancock Superior Court.
- Jose N. Perez (66) of California
- Count I – Dealing in Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-1(a)(2) and I.C. 35-48-4-1(e)(1)
- Level 2 Felony
- Count II – Possession of Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-6(a) and I.C. 35-48-4-6(d)(1)
- Level 3 Felony
- Count I – Dealing in Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-1(a)(2) and I.C. 35-48-4-1(e)(1)
- Miguel Rodriguez (60) of California
- Count I – Dealing in Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-1(a)(2) and I.C. 35-48-4-1(e)(1)
- Level 2 Felony
- Count II – Possession of Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-6(a) and I.C. 35-48-4-6(d)(1)
- Level 3 Felony
- Count I – Dealing in Cocaine I.C. 35-48-4-1(a)(2) and I.C. 35-48-4-1(e)(1)
The Indiana State Police were assisted by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office on this investigation and worked closely with the Hancock County Prosecutor for charges. The truck was towed to Johnson’s Towing in Greenfield to be offloaded to complete the search.
Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton said. “I am grateful for the effort and cooperation of all involved that has provided us with the evidence to bring these charges. This is a great example of the type of alert police work and interagency cooperation that keeps our community among the nation’s safest.”
The information above was approved for release by the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office. Since an arrest has been made, any further inquiries about the status of this case should be directed to the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office.
