During the summer of 2024 PCMEG (Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group) received several citizen complaints of local individuals dealing drugs in several bars within Porter County.  During an undercover bar operation,  undercover detectives were able to make a cocaine purchase from an individual outside of a local Porter County bar.  The investigation eventually led to a second suspected drug dealer.  Through the investigation, undercover detectives made two purchases of cocaine at the second suspected drug dealer’s house in Porter County.  On the second deal, the suspect placed the cocaine under the driver’s seat to this 2006 silver Ford Mustang.  Following the second purchase, PCMEG Detectives obtained a search warrant for the suspect's house and vehicle.  During the search warrant, a small amount of cash was confiscated along with this Mustang.  After going through a civil forfeiture case, the Courts awarded PCMEG the sole ownership of this 2006 Ford Mustang.  The vehicle is retained and registered to the Porter County Sheriff's Office for a period of three years.  At the end of the three years, the Mustang must be sold where the proceeds are then distributed to PCMEG, Porter County Prosecutors Office, Civil Lawyer, and the Common School Fund.

 

PCMEG is a county-wide drug task force led by the Porter County Sheriff’s Office and made up of seven (7) full-time police Detectives from the Porter County Sheriff's Office, Valparaiso Police Department, and Portage Police Department.  PCMEG also partners with the Federal government through H.I.D.T.A (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas ) program who helps fund the PCMEG.

 

The defendant who once owned the Mustang is currently awaiting trial on a Level 2 Felony Dealing cocaine charge, Level 3 Dealing cocaine charge, and Level 6 Felony maintaining a common nuisance charge.

 

**The defendant is assumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.**

 

Message from Sheriff Jeffrey A. Balon:

 

The safety of our citizens in Porter County is the top priority of the Porter County Sheriff’s Office.  One way in keeping our citizens safe is to have a very proactive undercover drug unit.  All drug dealers pose a serious threat to the safety of our communities.  Individuals who use drugs are not the only ones at risk, drug usage often leds the person using drugs to commit crimes to sustain the usage, which puts every citizen in Porter County at risk of being a victim.  Therefore, the Porter County Sheriff’s Office is committed to investigating every drug complaint made.  The PCMEG works hand-in-hand with the Porter County Prosecutor’s Office Porter County to identify, arrest and convict individuals who deal drugs in Porter County. 

 

If anyone has information regarding drug activity in Porter County, please report it to the Porter County Sheriff’s Office “Submit A Tip” through our website at www.portercountysheriff.org or through our PCSO App.  Information can be called in directly to us at (219)477-3000.  Tips are anonymous.

 

Thank you,

 

Sheriff Jeffrey A. Balon