For Immediate Release Contact: Sgt. Matt Gard
January 23rd, 2019 mjgard@lafayette.in.gov
(765) 807-1223
Drug Task Force Investigation Leads to Arrest for Fentanyl Dealing
On January 22nd the Lafayette Police Department arrested Paris Hill (29), following an ongoing investigation by the Tippecanoe Drug Task Force. Officers from the HIT team stopped Hill for a traffic violation at the intersection of Fairington Ave and Vineyards Ct. During the stop, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Evidence was found that resulted in Hill being arrested for possession of Synthetic Urine and Possession of Paraphernalia.
After the traffic stop, a search warrant was served at Paris’ residence at 515 Vineyards Ct. Officers located John McKeever (75), and two children ages 4 and 3 inside. The mother of the two children, Andrea McKeever-Austin (28) arrived at the residence during the search. John McKeever was arrested for possession of marijuana less than 30 grams. Andrea McKeever-Austin was arrested for Neglect of a Dependent. The children were placed into the care of the Department of Child Services.
During the search warrant and traffic stop the following items were seized:
-12.7 grams of Fentanyl
-28.9 grams of Ecstasy
-$10,683 in cash
-5 firearms
-Drug and drug dealing paraphernalia
-Synthetic Urine
Two of the seized firearms had previously been reported as stolen. One was through the West Lafayette Police Department and another through the Frankfort, IN Police Department.
Paris was also arrested for the following charges based on the evidence obtained during the search:
-Dealing in a narcotic drug over 10 grams
-Possession of a narcotic drug over 10 grams
-Dealing in a narcotic drug up to 1 gram
-Possession of a narcotic drug up to 1 gram
-Neglect of a dependent
-2 counts of Possession of a stolen firearm
The investigation was a joint effort by the Tippecanoe County Drug Task Force, the Tippecanoe Highway Interdiction Team, the Lafayette Street Crimes Unit, and the Lafayette Fire Department.
Sergeant Matt Gard
Community Outreach & Crime Prevention
The fact a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.