Dealing Near Schools Nets ‘A’ Felony
An alert retailer called Warsaw Police on Oct. 5 to report a man in the store purchasing common items used in the production of methamphetamine. Later that same day, the man returned to the store and made another suspicious purchase, which ultimately led to his arrest.
Police were able to confirm that Jason L. Finch, 39, of Warsaw, was the man who had purchased the meth production precursors. The store’s loss prevention department previously contacted the subject and identified him as Finch. The retailer told police Finch purchased Lithium batteries at one register and returned to buy Coleman fuel. He left the store on Oct. 5 prior to police arriving.
Through a resulting investigation, Warsaw Police secured a warrant from the Kosciusko County Prosecutors Office for Finch. The charges are possession of precursors with intent to manufacture.
On Wednesday afternoon, Warsaw Police received a tip that Finch was at 106 Boydston St. on the south side of Warsaw. Officers went to the residence to serve the warrant and located Finch inside. Police also located several active meth labs inside the home and the Indiana State Police Clandestine Lab team, which was already in Warsaw at the Super 8 Motel, was called to the Boydston address.
Warsaw Police drug enforcement officers arrested Finch on the initial warrant and also for dealing in methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school, a Class A felony. The Boydston address is in close proximity to Washington Elementary School and Warsaw Christian School.
Warsaw Police were assisted by the Indiana State Police and Warsaw Fire Department. Additional charges may result as a part of this investigation.
Finch is being held on a $101,000 bond.
Warsaw Police continue to diligently work to reduce the influence of methamphetamine in our community by aggressively pursuing those who possess, use, manufacture, or sell this dangerous drug. In Warsaw, drug tips may be called into the Warsaw Police Department at 574-372-9538.