Full Notification

Recent drug investigations by members of the CLEAN Team resulted in six people being arrested on various drug related charges. 

During a recent narcotics investigation, by officers from the CLEAN Team, a 17-year-old Peru boy was allegedly observed selling methamphetamine. The teen was arrested and incarcerated in a juvenile detention facility for dealing methamphetamine (two counts), possessions of methamphetamine (two counts), and maintaining a common nuisance. Further investigation led to officers obtaining a search warrant for a residence at 458 West Fifth Street, Peru, IN. During a search of the residence, officers allegedly found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Shelly Wright, 41, the 17 year-old boy’s mother, was arrested for two counts of conspiracy to deal methamphetamine, possession of  methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, and neglect of a dependent.

The investigation led officers to a home at 2878 N. Knoll Drive, Macy, IN (Fulton County). This is the residence of Caleb Steckel, 36. Steckel and Wright have an infant son together. Officers were at the home at the request of investigators from the Indiana Department of Child Protective Services to check the welfare of the child. While at the residence officers allegedly found methamphetamine, marijuana, prescription medication, and drug paraphernalia. Steckel was arrested to face criminal charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a scheduled II narcotic, possession of marijuana, maintaining a common nuisance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

In a separate investigation, officers from the CLEAN Team went to a residence on 511 East Main Street, Peru, IN to assist the Indiana Department of Child Protective Services with a home check. While at the residence, officers observed syringes, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Brandy Manley. 32, a resident of the home, was arrested to face criminal charges for possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a syringe, neglect of a dependent, and maintaining a common nuisance.

In another investigation, officers developed probable cause to obtain an arrest warrant for Carl Brown, 31, Peru, IN.  Brown was served the warrant which alleged criminal charges for dealing methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine.

Members of the CLEAN Team also arrested Brandon Peters, 25, Peru, IN for possession of heroin and possession of a syringe. Officers allegedly found heroin and a syringe when they responded to Peter’s home after he allegedly overdosed on heroin. First responders were able to revive Peter’s. He was medically cleared at Dukes Hospital and then incarcerated in the Miami County Jail.

The CLEAN Team is a task force of 11 law enforcement entities that have dedicated resources to fight narcotics in Fulton and Miami Counties. CLEAN stands for Combined Law Enforcement Against Narcotics.  The main focus of the CLEAN Team is narcotics enforcement with an emphasis on methamphetamine related crimes.

Law enforcement officers encourage anyone with information about the possession, distribution, or manufacturing of narcotics to call their local law enforcement agency or the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Information can be reported anonymously.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.