LOUISVILLE, KY. (WDRB) -- Three people have been arrested in Jefferson County, Indiana on charges of dealing in a synthetic drug. Two of the suspects also face additional charges.
Indiana State Police arrested 38-year-old Julie Marshall and 23-year-old Steven Warren, both of Madison, and 61-year-old Rita Smith of Milton, KY.
The investigation by the state police Organized Crime and Corruption Unit began last October. Indiana State Police and prosecutors said they wanted to know if area stores that sell synthetic drugs have been a front for drug dealing, money laundering, and state tax evasion.
The city of Madison sought to close the Needful Things store along U.S. 421 nearest the Milton-Madison bridge in 2008. Leaders believed the store violated the city's ordinance restricting sexually-oriented businesses.
That effort died after court challenges.
Police raided the Clarksville store on Eastern Blvd. last August after new state law regulated the sale of so-called "bath salts" or synthetic drugs.
From Indiana State Police:
Arrested and Charges:
Julie Marshall-
Dealing in a Synthetic Drug in the amount over 2 grams, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-10
Conspiracy to Deal a Synthetic Drug in an amount over 2 grams, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-10
Possession of a Synthetic Drug in the amount over 2 grams, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-11
Dealing in a Synthetic Drug, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-10
Maintaining a Common Nuisance, 2 Cts, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-13
Corrupt Business Influence, 2 Cts, Class C Felony IC 35-45-6-2
Theft counts, 7 Cts, Class D Felony IC 35-43-4-2
Income Tax Evasion 5 Cts, Class D Felony IC 6-3-6-11
Withholding Tax Evasion 14 Cts , Class D Felony IC 6-3-4-8
Sales Tax Evasion 2 Cts, Class D Felony IC 6-2.5-9-3
Rita Smith-
Dealing in a Synthetic Drug in the amount over 2 grams, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-10
Conspiracy to Deal a Synthetic Drug in an amount over 2 grams, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-10
Dealing in a Synthetic Drug, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-10
Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-13
Corrupt Business Influence, Class C Felony IC 35-45-6-2
Steven Warren-
Dealing in a Synthetic Drug in the amount over 2 grams, Class D Felony IC 35-48-4-10
