Undercover operation in southern Indiana leads to more than a dozen arrests

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — More than one dozen people have been arrested in an undercover operation in Harrison County, Indiana.

Thursday, the Harrison County Sheriff's Department said in a social media post that arrest warrants for 19 people were issued after a six-month investigation called "Operation Dry Ice."

So far, more than one dozen people have been arrested. The sheriff's office said there are still warrants out for additional arrests.

"The individuals that were apprehended were apprehended due to an undercover operation," said Harrison County Chief Brad Rothrock.

Each person arrested faces a felony drug charge. The sheriff's department said most of them are accused of dealing methamphetamine.

Those who were arrested include:

Samantha Morgan, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Diamondray Chinn, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Jeremy Ripperdan, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Heather Short, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Larry Denton, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Gary Haywood Jr, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Richard Deaton, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Amber Best, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Anthony Gearlds Jr, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Stacey Jones, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Travis Taylor, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Troy Baddorf, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

Dustin Trowbridge, charged with dealing in a controlled substance

Caleb Edwards, charged with dealing in methamphetamine

"We're doing our best to get the drug dealers out of the community as quickly and safely as possible," said Rothrock.

He said this investigation is still continuing.

"We hope that this investigation opens the eyes to the individuals that are selling drugs within our country that you don't come to Harrison County, we don't want it here, our residents don't want it here and we're going to do everything we can to keep the drugs out of Harrison County," Rothrock said.

At least one Harrison County resident said hearing about this operation was "shocking" but also "great news."

"I think the more safe the community, the less drugs and trafficking involved the better. Especially in a community like this," said Anthony Hicks from New Salisbury. "It's a small community. Everyone looks out for everyone, a lot of families, a lot of children, so if we can keep it away, that's the goal."

Rothrock said anyone concerned about drug activity in Harrison County can call the anonymous tip line at 812-738-8477.

For these arrests, the Harrison County Sheriff's Department was assisted by the Southeast Regional Swat Team, Crawford County Sheriff's Department, Corydon Police Department, Indiana Conservation, and Indiana State Police.

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