Tracy Lee Bickel

WARSAW — A traffic stop on Tuesday, Nov. 15, led to the arrest of not only a suspected drug dealer, but also a driver who was driving on a suspended license and had possession of meth.

Tracy Lee Bickel, 55, 50 EMS B4 Lane, Leesburg, was arrested on a charge of dealing in meth, a level 5 felony, and possession of meth, a level 6 felony. He was held on $10,000 surety and $250 cash bond.

Leonard John Morseau Jr., 57, 202 N. Harrison St., North Webster, was booked on possession of meth and driving while suspended with a prior. His bond was set at $5,000 surety and $250 cash.

Court documents, filed Thursday, Nov. 15, show Warsaw Police had received information Bickel was dealing illegal drugs at his residence. Surveillance was conducted at Bickel’s residence. On Nov. 15, police observed a vehicle arrive at Bickel’s residence with Bickel exiting the home carrying a bag and get into the vehicle. The vehicle, with Bickel as a passenger, then left the residence.

Police observed the vehicle fail to use a turn signal at an intersection which resulted in a traffic stop.

Leonard John Morseau Jr

Morseau was found to be the driver, with Bickel as the front seat passenger. While police were identifying the driver and passenger, they observed a can on the rear passenger floorboard. The can appeared to be acetone, known to be used in manufacturing meth. Police also saw Bickel attempting to conceal an item by placing something behind the passenger seat.

Morseau and Bickel were removed from the vehicle. During the investigation it was learned both men were suspended drivers. An inventory search of the vehicle was conducted, locating a container that contained a corner plastic bag containing a white crystal substance. The item was field tested and tested positive for methamphetamine.

Police also found a clear plastic bag with a powdery substance that tested positive for meth in the possession of Morseau. He admitted to police he had gone to Bickel’s residence, paid him $50 for the meth found in his pocket. He also admitted purchasing meth from Bickel approximately once a month.

Police also learned Bickel has two active criminal cases for dealing in meth, both in Kosciusko Circuit Court.