WINONA LAKE — Covert surveillance and thorough investigative techniques conducted by NET 43 resulted in the arrests of Derek Krichbaum, 34; and Sara Rivera, 33, Warsaw, on Wednesday, July 31.

The manhunt for Krichbaum was based upon an active Kosciusko County felony narcotics warrant. Officers found Krichbaum and Rivera hiding in a shed located within Fairlane Mobile Home Park in Winona Lake.

While in the process of taking Krichbaum and Rivera into custody, 1.5 grams of heroin, as well as methamphetamine and paraphernalia, were located within plain view of the arresting officers. Krichbaum and Rivera were transported to the Kosciusko County Jail without incident.

Krichbaum faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic drug and possession of paraphernalia. Rivera is being charged with possession of methamphetamine.

The Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office advises that the defendants’ charges are merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Narcotics Enforcement Team, or NET 43, is a collaborative law enforcement unit consisting of officers from the Warsaw and Winona Lake Police Departments, the Indiana State Police and the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office. If you have information on suspicious drug activity, drug trafficking or drug suspects, please contact NET 43 at [email protected] or by telephone at (574) 372-2494.