Drug overdose leads to major bust

Thursday, June 10, 2010

CLOVERDALE -- Nine people were arrested as the result of a drug bust that happened Tuesday in Cloverdale.

Robin Carwile

Joseph Taylor, 31, Lance Morrison, 23, Ileen Gomez, 21, William Morrison, 53, and Sonya Morrison, 50, and Tina Stillabower, 51, all of Putnam County, and Michael Woods, 21, Samuel Robertson, 30, and Robin Carwile, 21, all of Spencer, were arrested and booked into the Putnam County Jail.

William Morrison and Sonya Morrison both posted $7,500 surety bonds and were released from jail.

Ileen Gomez

Bond was set at $10,000 with 10 percent allowed or $7,500 surety for Woods; $30,000 cash only for Gomez; $10,000 cash or $3,500 surety for Carwile and $20,000 cash for Stillabower.

Joseph Taylor and Lance Morrison are both being held without bond.

None of the suspects has been formally charged. All are awaiting initial hearings.

Lance Morrison

Putnam County Sheriff's Department Reserve Deputy Nate O'Hair said the bust was set in motion by a report of a drug overdose at 1000 S. 700E in Cloverdale at about 2 a.m. Tuesday morning.

O'Hair said when he and Putnam County Sheriff's Department Lt. Dwight Simmons went to that address, they discovered the parents of Gina Ballenger, 22, calling an ambulance for their daughter.

Ballenger was transported to the Putnam County Hospital, where it was confirmed she had overdosed on heroin.

Sonya Morrison

Reports from other news agencies said Ballenger had died; however, a Putnam County Hospital representative told the Banner Graphic Wednesday morning that Ballenger was still listed in the hospital's patient records, and that she was in good condition.

As of 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, Ballenger was no longer listed as a patient at the hospital.

After O'Hair and Simmons assisted Ballenger's parents with getting their daughter to the hospital, the officers returned to Ballenger's home, where her parents allowed them to search their daughter's room.

William Morrison

"We removed a syringe and a spoon," O'Hair said.

Ballenger's parents then told O'Hair and Simmons that someone had delivered heroin to their daughter earlier on Monday evening. They provided the officers with a description of the vehicle they believed that person was driving.

Samuel Robertson

The officers, who were riding in an unmarked car, began searching for the vehicle Ballenger's parents had described. Shortly after, they saw Robertson driving the car. Lance Morrison was a passenger.

"I took Lance into custody and Robertson took off," O'Hair said. "A foot pursuit followed between Robertson and Lt. Simmons."

Joseph Taylor

O'Hair and Simmons then secured search warrants for Robertson's apartment at Midway Motel, located at 2007 N. Main St. in Cloverdale.

After finding drug-related materials in Robertson's apartment, the officers got search warrants for the rest of the Midway apartments and the surrounding properties.

Gina Ballenger

The search turned up a small methamphetamine lab in a horse trailer, 160 marijuana plants and various drug paraphernalia items including Sudafed, Liquid Fire, tubing and syringes.

O'Hair said it appeared the drug operation had been up and running for some time.

Michael Woods

O'Hair said other arrests in connection with the bust are expected.

William and Sonya Morrison are the owners of the Midway.

Representatives from the Putnam County Board of Health and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management arrived at the property shortly after the bust.

Tina Stillabower

Although it had been reported that the motel had already been condemned, a Board of Health representative said Wednesday morning that was not the case. She said the department was still in the process of investigating the complaint against the motel.

Ballenger was on home detention through Putnam County Community Corrections for a 2008 Class A misdemeanor conversion conviction. Putnam County Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter said a warrant for her arrest for violation of home detention would be forthcoming.

A charge of Class B misdemeanor battery against Ballenger is pending in Putnam County Superior Court. A trial is scheduled for September.

Ballenger's criminal history in Putnam County also includes convictions for battery, possession of paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person. She has also been convicted for several probation violations.

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  • What is she smiling about? Who took this picture at the jail? Absolutely ridiculous.

    -- Posted by justme44 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 10:01 AM
  • Since when do you get to pose for your mug shot?

    -- Posted by clgruener on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 10:11 AM
  • this is her third overdose in 3 years. i feel sorry for her family who has gone broke trying to help this girl. those kinda drugs ruin everybody connected to them including the non-users of the drugs. there is nothing a parent can do to get there kids away from this activity. u can try but until the kid decides its time for a lifestyle change then it is hopeless. sooner or later they get sick and tired of jail, hospitals and everybody else trying to run ur life. just love your kids and let them know u are there for help when they are ready. anything before they are ready is just wasting your time and money. jail is the best place for them. it made me change my life after 10yrs of troubles. its the hardest thing u will ever have to do. jail is good for some people. goodluck to all families involved. drugs are so powerful, they make us all do things we would never dreamed we would or could do. if it wasnt for the love of my family i would never be where i am today. thanks mom!!

    -- Posted by badboy46120 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 10:24 AM
  • Wow, that pic is better than the old Glamour Shots! Remember those? Looks like getting busted was a big joke then. She's probably not that happy now, idk.

    -- Posted by lindam7766 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 10:27 AM
  • I agree that Gina shouldnt be smiling. I do know a few of the people mentioned but I havent saw or hung out with them in years. We would drink like all teenagers do, but to let these drugs consume your life is ridiculous. Theres a time when you have to grow up.. Maybe this will be their wake-up call. They are not bad people, they have just made bad choices.. They all are still humanbeings at the end of the day. So hopefully nobody will batter them to death on here. Best of luck to you Gina.. Hope you take this as a wake up call hun!

    -- Posted by just_mommy on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 10:30 AM
  • I dont feel the least bit sorry for her family and even less sorry for her.When as a parent you allow and dont stop the unbelievable behavior their daughter was knowingly involved in even as early as junior high, then YOU as a parent are DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE! Zero pity for the parents ,just disgust that nothing was done when she was soo young to head this type of ending off.The only emotions available for this bunch,parents included is sadness at efforts and choices.Its really sad...

    -- Posted by honestyisbestpolicy on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 11:09 AM
  • The troubleing fact is why were Mr. and Mrs. Morrison arrested? They are two of the nicest people you will ever know. Just because bad people brought the war on drugs to their front door doesn't mean they should pay the price. Or is it considered collateral damge? They have spent a lot of time and effort trying to get their sons clean and into rehab programs only to rewarded with jail and possible prison time for crimes they did not commit.

    -- Posted by Bentoverabarrel on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 11:17 AM
  • This is in response to honestyisbestpolicy: you stated that the parent(s) are directly responsible for their daughter's actions. How can YOU decide that? Do you know, (have the actual facts) that the parents KNEW everything their daughter did? How can YOU set yourself up to be judge and jury against the parents??? As a parent myself who has had a child get into trouble with drugs, I can honestly say with my hand before GOD, that I was unaware of my child's involvement with drugs until my child was an adult. How could this happen you would self-righteously say? Probably because I divorced my spouse and the judge determined that since I was female that my child needed a male influence, so my child stayed with his "father" very frequently and it was kept from me until it was too late. Do I feel bad about it? Of course! Was it my fault? NO. I raised my children to be good, law abiding people and they were led astray by someone they trusted. Yes, I feel sorry for the parents of anyone that has a drug problem,whether they (the children)have been arrested or not. Drugs are evil and insidious, they slide into a person's life so quickly and do so much harm. So, honestyisbestpolicy, I hope you are never in a situation where someone you love is involved in drugs. But if they do I'm sure you'll be the first to turn your back on them.

    -- Posted by someone's mother too on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 11:42 AM
  • honestyisthebestpolicy: please explain how as a parent u would handle the situation with your 18yo or older adult child. would u ground them? would u take their car away? would u make them be home at 6pm? would u put them in time-out? well if i was your kid as all others would do to their parents, when on drugs. see ya! i am moving out! now what? please tell us all how to handle these situations so we can make life easier for everyone. i am interested for my daughter is 7 and growing up fast.

    -- Posted by badboy46120 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 12:15 PM
  • This is horrible, but Midway Motel has always been a place for drugs, drinking, & underage drinking! Maybe now they will close this place down for good. But knowing Putnam Co like I do, probably not. Looks like this Gina thinks its a big joke. Is this the pic taken this time, or another time? Yeah drugs ruin EVERYONE/EVERYTHING they touch. Unless the parents were still supplying the girl w/$$ or the ability to get the drugs, I dont see how it was there fault? What should they have done...put her on the street so when she OD'd her little drug buddies would b too scared to call 911? Drugs suck everyone around them into a deep hole. God help all these people to find the strength to clean up b4 it's too late.

    -- Posted by truthis on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 12:19 PM
  • Who in the jail allowed her to smile and act like this is a joke? You can't pose for your drivers license photo why can you pose for your mug shot?

    -- Posted by floyd'srangerriders on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 12:25 PM
  • badboy you are so right,honestyisbestpolicy you on the other hand are so wrong.must be rough being perfect.hopefully this family will make it.

    -- Posted by redrose2 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 12:34 PM
  • I have known Sam Roberston for years and I use to be in the same kind of situation as all these guys. I know Ballenger and Morrison. I use to hang out and party with these guys and get messed up. But after I was sent to prison- I learned my lesson. And you'd think they would too. Nothing in this world compares to your freedom. I was giving chance after chance just like these guys have been and they never learned from it. However I did. I got out. I have been clean for 3 years and I am in my third semester in college trying to better my life. All I got to say is that jail and prison was the only thing that got me clean. I think all these guys should sit for quite sometime . Obviously the short time they did before wasn't enough Hopefully our justice system will get these scum bags off the street for good- like ballenger and roberston. Let them see what prison is really about;. Gina's parents did try with her but obviously you can;t change someone if they don't want to be changed and I know Sam's mom very well and she did all she could to keep Sam away from all these but drugs and needles are sam;s life. I spent 2 years with him. Not only is he a drug abuser but a women abuser too. I just want to thank Nate O'Hair for his good work... helping to keep people like this off our streets. They all derserve a real reality check. But I am sure one will snitch on the others and walk away . How unfair.. You do the crime - then you do the time. God knows I did. I lost 545 days of my life over this stuff. Never again.

    ONCE AGAIN GOOD JOB NATE O'HAIR.

    -- Posted by missmack on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 12:47 PM
  • IF I CAN CHANGE MY LIFE THEN ANYONE CAN.

    -- Posted by missmack on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 12:49 PM
  • YEAH AND WHY IN THE HELL IS GINA SMILING . OBVIOUSLY SHE KNOWS SHE WON'T BE THERE VERY LONG. ATLEAST HER AND DUNCAN CAN HAVE A LITTLE REUNION.

    -- Posted by missmack on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 12:52 PM
  • Kinda hard to believe the people that owned the property didn't know what was going on, marijuana plants growing and a horse trailer cooking meth should be quite obvious.

    If it is proven they had knowledge or even profited from it in some way then like a vehicle transporting drugs all property involved can and should be forfeit and sold at auction...

    -- Posted by Rulek on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 1:27 PM
  • i agree about Gina as well. looks as if she's trying to be a Model in her Mugshot. Who takes these pics and why would they let her pose like that??

    -- Posted by pinklady97 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 1:34 PM
  • I would guess Gina's mugshot is from a previous episode as the article says she is still in the hospital...

    -- Posted by localman on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 2:05 PM
  • missmack sounds like she has an agenda on the Robertson kid and the Ballenger girl... Talk about trying a case online, this person is also judge and jury. These people need help to get over an addiction. missmack, you should know if you were an addict, that the only way to beat an addiction is to not only get clean but to stay away from everyone you used to run with, preferably out of state. The person needs to make new habits-good ones. Why is missmack only dogging Ballenger and Robertson? Why not dog them all. Are there some sour grapes against these two that makes the crime more heinous? I'm sure your friends and family are proud that you are doing so well and it sounds like you are a success story but not everyone is you.

    -- Posted by someone's mother too on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 2:36 PM
  • To Bentoverabarrel - Be real the Morrisons' have being dealing drugs, doing drugs, manufacturing drugs for many years. As you may remember Stan Smith was dealing drugs since 1970's he finally got caught (sorry, I know he has passed away since) but the truth is the truth. William Morrison needed to be arrested many years ago and kept in prison. Drugs is only one crime he is guilty of.

    -- Posted by Taxpayer5253 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 2:55 PM
  • I don't have a agenda against just them too. I know them personally and very well.; I think they are all in the wrong. So SOMEONE"S MOTHER- YES MY PARENTS ARE VERY PROUD OF ME ALONG WITH THE REST OF MY FAMILY. But to say everyone isn't me.. your right. But everyone can turn their life around. I was an addict for many years - all it takes is you wanting to change .

    -- Posted by missmack on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 4:16 PM
  • Wow! Way to go Putnam County-took you long enough-Mayby you should drive down the dead end street called Long Street in Cloverdale,thats part of the mess too! Now mayby some good citizen of Cloverdale will buy that dump up on the hill and make something nice out of the property.Thats Karma!!! Who'd a thunk it!

    -- Posted by BellaBella on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 4:33 PM
  • IF THERE WERE JOBS THESE PEOPLE WOULDNT HAVE SO MUCH FREE TIME TO DO DRUGS, ITS A SHAME THAT PEOPLE THINK THIS STUFFMIS FUNNY, THANK GOD FOR THE BLESSINGS WE DO HAVE AND THANK GOD ITS NOT MY FAMILY, BLESS ALL THE FAMILIES GOING THROUGH ALL THIS HEARTACHE

    -- Posted by ironmaiden on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 5:38 PM
  • Parents have a horrible fight trying to keep there children off drugs and believe me it is a term in hell. The sad thing is more kids in Putnam County are on POT and PILLS than people are willing to admitt. I went through some text messages on my son's phone and kids that are honor students, ball players and a varity of others are taking the pills by handfuls, smoking pot and trying just about anything. So before you judge other parents go look at your child dig deep if you dare!

    -- Posted by Trying hard on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 5:42 PM
  • So missmack and taxpayer5253... Its easy for you to know who this is if you know sam and stan. Well they didnt do everything right but first of all STAN is dead leave him out of it. That is low and hurtful to his family. As far as Sam goes. For the most part( not the drug part) he was and is a goood person. At least I can say this for him. He will do his time cause he wont run his mouth like some of the others.

    -- Posted by shane54_21 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 5:45 PM
  • Missmack I did forget to say congrats on staying clean. Keep it up cause one slip starts the whole spiral over again.

    -- Posted by shane54_21 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 5:49 PM
  • hmmmmmm Doesn't jovi, Henry and Yvonne Cady live on Long street? Those poor families! I feel so sorry for what they have to go through. I'm sure glad Cloverdale and surrounding areas are finally getting cleaned up!!!!! These parents need to teach these kids how to say no... but when the parents don't say no themselves then it happens to the whole family.

    Way to go Cloverdale Police and IN State Police! Let's clean our area up and let the dealers know to stay out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    -- Posted by sherrybaby1956 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 6:29 PM
  • I don't know these people nor do I want to, they broke the law and got caught they deserve what they get. No matter if they have a problem or not I don't care they did these crimes through their own free will they can not blame anyone but themselves for being stupid. As for the great police work come people they would have never found this little drug cartel if the the dumbass hadn't of OD. Not hard to connect the dots on this one.

    -- Posted by worrieddaddy on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 7:30 PM
  • to ironmaiden,morrison's run thier own trucking company out of this spot,THEY HAD JOBS!

    -- Posted by obeone on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 8:29 PM
  • First off, i just want to say that i am a former resident of putnam county. I was very good friends with Gina at one point in my life. I am not writing this to be bias in anyway; but, my question to most of you is how do feel that it is okay and even necessary for you to judge these people? Yes, I think that Gina definately has made some wrong choices in her life, but doesn't everyone? I am not saying that using drugs is ok, but my point is that we as a county, as a family, as friends, need to work together to improve the problem. Putnam county needs to offer alternative sources of entertainment for youth, as well as confidential counseling services for those that are having problems. It is so hard for me to touch on this issue of drug addiction, but I can totally relate because I was at that same point in my life 3 years ago. I would (and hope that you all agree with me) encourage putnam county to disable these comments on news posts. News is meant for a reason -- to let everyone else in the community know what is happening and what is going on. There is no need for nonsense posts giving personal opinions about someone's life that you know nothing about. I believe that it is very important for the community to know what is happening in their neighborhood, but leave the personal issues to dear Abby. We all seem to forget the purpose of a newspaper.

    -- Posted by Oldresident13 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 9:17 PM
  • No one said parenting was an easy job, however, Pointer is right - it is a tough job in keeping our children off drugs especially when the pushers give freebies to get them hooked, and get slapped on the wrist especially if they snitch when they're caught. As for the little drug cartel - drugs are everywhere, and this area is no different..... Cloverdale, Cunot, hear a lot about Shana Heights and Haltom Heights too. It's ruining our community - many want the problem solved, what is the solution ?

    -- Posted by Scripted Spontaneity on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 9:27 PM
  • This all starts in the home when children are in diapers. Parents raise their children a certain way and are responsible for that! You raise the children the way you want them to go! This trouble started many many years ago when these people were children and being raised.

    I hope the judge that stands in this court for these people is strong and smart and plans to stop this garbage in our community!

    -- Posted by sherrybaby1956 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 10:11 PM
  • That gets my vote for the best mugshot photo of the year! You go girl!

    -- Posted by 1stamendrights on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 10:31 PM
  • To those rejoicing the arrests of lost children: How does locking up this handful of people make your little town any better? It doesn't. You still have the same situation. You still have kids in this town doing the same exact things these people were doing when they were younger, and not one single person doing anything about it, or even paying attention to it, until it makes the newspaper and gives people something else to gossip about. Sure, let the police clean up your mess, and maybe you should build another church or something in place of that motel. Yeah, that'll fix it...

    -- Posted by drelyn86 on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 10:51 PM
  • ironmaiden...

    "IF THERE WERE JOBS THESE PEOPLE WOULDNT HAVE SO MUCH FREE TIME TO DO DRUGS"

    Are you serious? This comment just floors me. There are jobs out there. Yes the economy is rough right now. But most people that can't "find a job" is there own fault because they dont want to work. They would rather live off of our tax dollars and do drugs. If people would get off there butts and go attempt to get a job then they would realize that there are jobs out there.. It may not be a job they enjoy or like doing but oh well. I would rather be making minimum wage at a fast food restaurant than being a lazy bum. If somebody really truly wants a job.. They will have one.

    And before people post hurtful things on here, maybe you should put yourself in there place. To free yourself from addiction you have to rid yourself of all the people, places, and things you have known before and I'm sure it wouldnt be easy when your young. I hope that Gina does recover but more importantly I hope that justice will be served!!!

    -- Posted by just_mommy on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 11:04 PM
  • Taxpayer5253- Okay is that your opinion or have you yourself purchased/used/or moved drugs with William Morrison? I have known the Morrisons for over fifteen years and if the drug business was so lucrative why aren't they driving Cadillac Escalades and having to work 60-80 hours a week just to make ends meet. You only want the best for your children and sometimes it just doesn't work out. Our children make us naive and our lack of better jusdgment sometimes goes by the wayside. I visited the Morrisons today and seen and heard the GOOD people that do live there with no where else to go. There is a lot of saddness and disgust from everyone about what has happened. What makes us so high and mighty to judge the way different people choose to live their lives to make a living. Sure it looks like junk but its their junk and its what allows them to pay their bills. This whole country is in the toilet. Everywhere you look there is another house with an overgrown yard. That person or family had to go somewhere and Morrisons gave them something better than what they had which is nothing. I encourage you before you judge. To go by there and just talk to them. Take your own look at a "major drug factory" and talk to those people who will again have no where else to call home.

    -- Posted by Bentoverabarrel on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 11:19 PM
  • MissMack, you keep telling the story of your journey, and maybe something you say will inspire those who are still in the pit of addiction that there is hope to get clean, sober, and live a better, saner life.

    -- Posted by Scripted Spontaneity on Wed, Jun 9, 2010, at 11:51 PM
  • All I can say.. I want to see more busts!

    Put them all away and let them think about how they destroyed their own lives, their families lives, and the lives they hadn't met yet!

    The druggies are who's at the street corners

    watching the latch key kids! Want some candy

    little boy?

    -- Posted by sherrybaby1956 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 12:02 AM
  • How do u stop an over 18 yr old someone asked? Thats not the way to go about it,geesh do u have children? U get up off ur butt and you parent when the child is 2,3,4,5,6 ect. yrs old and u instill in them a better way to act and live. You also,set examples,walk the walk urself and you expect nothing but the right things from them,theres no debate.Gina was a mess before she hit 7th grade.U start early, NOT after 18. Wow,no wonder these kids are such a mess! Anyone,and I mean anyone who knew Gina knew what she was like as a 13 yr old,12,yr old ect.If her own parents didnt notice,what in the heck had them so busy to be unaware. U establish a standard at toddler age and u KEEP workin on em.Myself and many many other parents could have had Gina and done a world of difference.So could her own parents. lock em all up, and look for the next bunch..no sympathy here

    -- Posted by honestyisbestpolicy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 4:07 AM
  • Badboy,if u are askin what to do and needing help and ur daughter is 7 all I gotta say is, hopefully she's a sweetheart at this point and you have been a good parent and started at the earliest point she could understand and u set the wheels in motion. You work tirelessly to set an example of good self disciplin,great decision making skills and you establish the character that you and your family EXPEXT and demand of them. Then you work every chance you get,u dont take a day off on ur kid. By the time they are at risk as far as age, they have the tools like the other 90 out of a hundred intheir class at school that are good solid law abiding citizens w/a future... 90% can and do get it done,those who dont usually has excuses and then there are the ones that just dont have all the resources for that rare kid that all the help in the world isnt enuff.Good luckw/ur daughter, I hope ur a parent every moment of their lives and u dont take a day off on em....

    -- Posted by honestyisbestpolicy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 4:17 AM
  • Someones mother...grandpa had a saying..."Excuses only benefit those who use them" The court,the judge, the father,the guy at the drive up window,etc. Hopefully we as a society get over this excuse making,Im a victom,its somebody elses fault kind of thinking.Be a parent,earn the right to have enough time with them to "raise them up" right.I'd never let there be a judge,a court, a co parent even,that kept me from serving my child in the way they need.Nothing should get in your way and "keep u from" doing what is not just ur responsibility,but what YOU OWE YOUR CHILD!! Dont let em down, whatever excuse you may find.....

    -- Posted by honestyisbestpolicy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 4:24 AM
  • honestyisbestpolicy:

    Gina was a cheerleader, soccer player and she made good grades. You don't know Gina's personal story. Since you don't know this, you would not know that my parents gave Gina a better life. She definately was not a mess since 7th grade, seriously. She started dating the wrong guy and hanging out with the wrong friends around age 17 and that is when she became addicted. Gina was very good at hiding her drug usage. My mom and dad are the best people you could ever know. They both are in their 60's and neither one of them drink or have ever done drugs. They are strict and loving parents. They are very very close to Gina and always have been. I don't know what gives you the right to play God and judge people. I was raised to love and treat all people with compassion, as was Gina. I was raised to not judge people, but to offer help wherever possible. Unless you are part of our family there is no way you could know our family values, morals and belief system. You could not know what it was like being raised by our parents, but I will tell you that I love and respect my parents for doing such a wonderful job raising all of us.

    -- Posted by ilovemysissy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 6:42 AM
  • *

    I'm so glad my buddy and I left Cloverdale for Indy in '05 and haven't looked back once! It was the best thing for us, and would probably be the best thing for a lot of these kids. Moving away is the best way to cut ties and start over...

    With that said.

    I read a lot of comments from people who sound like they think their crap doesn't stink at all. As I was reading though, I started thinking if your crap stinks any worse than this English and grammar I am reading from you, then God help us all.

    Let me tell you, I was on the front page of the Banner-Graphic a little over 9 years ago, at 16 years old. For drugs. Now I have been at the same place of employment for 5 years and at the age of 25 that is more than some my age can say. I have 2 sons, aged 6 and 1, which I love very much. I feel I am doing pretty good for myself, financially and successfully, and stand up to my role as a productive member of society.

    I didn't become who I am today by a bunch of ignorant, bible thumping hillbillies passing judgment on me. I became the person I am today because a select few (and they know who they are) stuck up for me, helped me, and showed me compassion. Took time out of their busy days to help me learn how to better myself. and I will always thank these people with all my heart.

    I hope some of you put the same emphasis in teaching your children how to show compassion and love as you think you did on keeping them away from drugs...

    You self self righteous ignorant fools.

    -- Posted by IT.techJosh on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 7:41 AM
  • Hey, if you're gonna get a mug shot, go all out, strike a pose. Good one Gina! I like it!

    -- Posted by GRNT on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 7:45 AM
  • *

    *You self-righteous ignorant fools.** typo on my part unlike some people.

    Let me also add, getting rid of meth labs and heroin distribution is a GREAT thing. But do not fool yourselves one bit. This WAS NOT proactive police work guys, they only responded after someone overdosed for Christ's sake. Don't pat the cops on their backs, those cops were probably put off by the 911 dispatch call because it interrupted their corrupt think tank session on the next best way scheme more tax dollars out of your community.

    If you are an adult with no kids living at home and you want a place to relax or land to own... Move to Cloverdale.

    If you have children that are impressionable over the age of 7 or if you just turned 18 and now legally an adult yourself (and didn't live under a rock your whole life until now)...

    Then leave that god awful town ASAP. nothing good will come of it

    -- Posted by IT.techJosh on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 8:01 AM
  • What we are seeing in this story and the plethora of posts is the culmination of 40 years of liberal thinking that has shifted the very fabric of American society. America is a society founded on the concept of individual liberty and freedom. This has to be delicately balanced by individual accountability. Once you start down the road of indoctrinating generations that "you are not responsible" and "society owes you something" we get what we are seeing now all across America. The great challenge is can we turn it around?

    -- Posted by exhoosier2 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 8:22 AM
  • My jaw is on the floor. im originally from cloverdale before I moved to NY. I used to hang with Gina all the time.... she was incredibly nice. I had always wondered what happened to her too. I can only hope she gets her life together, she really can die from this. talk about falling in with the wrong crowds....

    -- Posted by josho2113 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 8:31 AM
  • I am not commenting on this specific story just on drugs in the community in general. It all comes down to the fact that EVERYONE needs to be responsible for making sure that drugs/drug addicts and drug manufacturing doesn't land in our towns! If something or someone looks or acts suspicious, call the police! If everyone is keeping an eye open for this, it will be very hard to keep it all under wraps in the community. Set up a neighborhood watch on your block. Become involved in making YOUR neighborhood a better place to live!

    -- Posted by nikkilpn on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 9:41 AM
  • Me again to Bentoverabarrel (cute name)

    I win I have known the Morrison family for 23 years. I have known about the son who committed suicide (no fault to the parents). Mr. & Mrs. Morrison are very good people, but our children sometimes seek their own path of destruction. I have known William Morrison when he owned an apartment complex. He was growing something in the basement of the home. The town finally had the house demonished. Thank goodness!!! It does concern me that you feel the William Morrison is a good citizen of the community.

    -- Posted by Taxpayer5253 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 9:52 AM
  • No I hear ya man. I just have alot of love for cdale. grew up there till I moved to ny at 18. never had a problem there. People are impressionable anywhere and your point is totally valid but your gonna get bord in indy too. i drive to nyc often just so im not bored. and i live in NY. thats why there are video games, internet, getting it on, cable, etc. its all about decision making. On the flip side there are more people who move from Indy because there are too many drugs and gangs then cdale and all other little towns together. Anywho guess we are getting off topic. good luck to SOME of the people on this list. Im rooting for Gina

    -- Posted by josho2113 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 10:02 AM
  • So the prosecutor, Timothy Bookwalter, is going to issue a warrant for my sister, Gina, for violation of home detention for overdosing. That may be what is best for her so she will have to stay clean and I only say that because I love my little sister and want what is best for her. It is completely fair because she did to herself. So let's be fair then. Is her boyfriend, AJ, going to also be arrested for violating his parole for being under the influence of heroin early Tuesday morning? Probably not because after Gina was transported by ambulance from the road the police, my parents and AJ went back to the house so AJ could show them the spoon and siringe they used so they would know exactly what she overdosed on. The police took AJ to the side and spoke with him in private. Then the police wanted AJ to come to the jail for questioning. AJ, being under the influence of heroin, was told to drive to the jail and Nate O'Hare rode with AJ in the vehicle. Can u believe they let him drive with a police officer in the vehicle under the influence of heroin? I'm pretty sure they could tell that AJ was on something you would think especially since they were there on an overdose and knowing Gina and AJ's past behavior. AJ was at the jail for 2 1/2 hours then he went home to sleep. So we will wait and see if he goes to jail also, but I bet he doesn't. And what about the guy who sold them the heroin? I know his first name and the neighborhood he lives in....if I can find out this type of information you would think the police could.

    -- Posted by ilovemysissy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 10:04 AM
  • Also, it is funny how my parents and what they "supposedly" told the police is in the newspaper article, but nothing AJ told the police is in there. His name was never even mentioned. Wonder why?

    -- Posted by ilovemysissy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 10:08 AM
  • Sorry, I forgot to mention that AJ was the one who told me that Nate O'Hare rode with him to the jail and that he spent 2 1/2 hours there.

    -- Posted by ilovemysissy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 10:10 AM
  • wow that is redic

    -- Posted by josho2113 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 10:13 AM
  • What Idiots!! We each and everyone are responsible,every action has a re-action. I love self rightous bastards-go look in the mirror. Remember when you are talking to an addict,you are talking to the drug,not that person that you so love. Go to an N.A. or a A.A meeting sometime and just sit in-How sad to listen to these lost souls crying for help....then see which one of you are willing to give up some of your free time to be a sponser?..or a friend for an ADDICT! And for Stan Smith-I also knew Stan-he truly struggled-I thought he was a good dude and his parents are very loving Christian people. How sad for them to bury a child and live with that grief. God Bless us all!!!

    -- Posted by BellaBella on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 10:19 AM
  • The article, even after being edited, is still not accurate. They say my parents told the police that someone had delivered heroin to my sister sometime Monday evening? Don't you think if my parents knew this that they would have done something about it? My parents didn't know anything about the heroin or the person who delivered it until after this happened. The person came late Monday night after they were asleep. They did not find out about the heroin until AJ told them when he woke them up at 2am when she wasn't breathing. Sorry, but this is getting rediculous and it bothers me that they can tell the truth where they want to and lie or leave out other things. Report the entire story and accurately please.

    -- Posted by ilovemysissy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 10:29 AM
  • To everyone who says, "we as a community" I agree completely. I encourage everyone to exercise your 2nd Ammendment right, and then maybe we can help those in need understand that we won't put up with the drugs in our communities.

    -- Posted by JustinH on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 11:12 AM
  • Bentoverabarrel Please spare us! Anyone that knows the William Morrison aka (blue lightning) know they are up to no good, someone that runs a trucking company with no legal plates and makes trips to laredo? hmmmm sounds fishy and his trucks have been dead lined several times and stranded drivers for illegal plates and truck logs and then he doesn't want to pay his workers. There is no way that he could not have known about the drugs esp when your son in involved hard core duh ! I don't understand why people don't want anyone to be held accountable

    -- Posted by JrsWife on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 11:37 AM
  • I WANT TO THANK OUR POLICEMAN THAT MADE THESE ARRESTS & DISCOVERED THE DRUGS. NOW THAY NEED TO GO TO THE OLD HOLIDAY INN, THERE ARE DRUGGIES LIVING THERE. PEOPLE, THESE ARE THE ONES THAT ARE GIVING DRUGS TO OUR CHILDREN, WAKE UP.

    -- Posted by MORTY3 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 12:53 PM
  • To all the self-righteous people... To the ones that did drugs and got out of the vicious circle-great, more power to you. You should know how controlling the addiction is and what it entails to get away from drugs, it's a real b**ch. To the ones that call out that the parents should have raised their children better...what comes around goes around..one day you'll be on the receiving end of that statement.Most parents raised their children to stay away from drugs and to be law-abiding. (by the way..is sherrybaby1956 really sherry paris?)

    I also have known the Morrison's for over 25years and there are more than a few skeletons in the closet there. Most of the stuff I have read on the comments are laughable. People want to pull the accused down. beat them up and hang them.

    Bella-Bella...I truly think that your words are some of the more honest and unbias on this site. Thank you. An addict will tell you anything to keep you from knowing the truth...but tell me, isn't there more crap going on at IOP that is mandatory for released addicts to attend? From what I can tell about IOP is that it's a great place to hang out with your "friends" and that there are recipes, drugs and info galore there. IOP is ridiculous. NA is much better, but only if the addict truly wants to change their life. Court ordered doesn't seem to cut it. Out of state faith-based long-term rehab seems to work much better. It doesn't even have to cost the state or county or the parents a bunch of cash. Of course the addict must want to change, not just be giving lip service to go. (believe me, the counselors know the difference)

    As a parent I hurt for all the parents out there. I can understand your horror, grief and sorrow. I understand about not wanting to believe that your child could be an addict. But, unless you taught them how to use drugs and/or used drugs with them or knowingly gave them money to purchase drugs, you are not at fault. You can raise your child to be better than that and to do better than that but ultimately, after a certain age, it is their choice.

    I hope and pray that these people arrested finally see the light and can get away from this awful addiction. I also pray that the prosecutor and judge help these people to get into a rehab situation.

    -- Posted by someone's mother too on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 2:06 PM
  • WOW - grew up in cloverdale. graduated with Sonya.

    Can't beleive all of this I am reading!!

    -- Posted by mal on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 2:08 PM
  • CLOSE DOWN THE MOTEL @ THE I-70 & 231 & CLEAN UP THE CLOVERDALE EXIT, IT IS AN EYESORE FOR CLOVERDALE.ALOT OF PEOPLE COMING FROM THE WEST BOUND LANE SAID WHEN THEY SEE THE MESS THERE THEY GET RIGHT BACK ON I-70 INSTEAD OF GOING FOR FOOD OR MOTEL.

    -- Posted by MORTY3 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 2:20 PM
  • Nine down and many many more to go! The good news is these criminals(sure,ok,alledged) are off the streets,the bad news is now those of us that are law abiding employed citizens will now each share the financial cost of keeping them locked up,off the streets,clothed,feed them 3 times a day,treated medically ect.(if convicted) I'm pretty sure we wont have to pay for them to finish high school,ged,college degree ect,as I really doubt this collection of "alledged " criminals would pursue an education or betterment. While law enforcement DID stumble acros this bust simply because one doper OD'd, but lets give them credit,they did police work,asked questions,followed leads ,chased thugs down and did a nice job of tying it all up.So,in that regard,kudos to the police.Now lets see if our elected prosecutors can do their jobs,get convictions and set penalties right for offenses and that will serve as a deterrant to others and as a "carrot" to these lost souls to get their act together and fly right.

    -- Posted by honestyisbestpolicy on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 2:22 PM
  • ANY ADDICTION IS A SICKNESS, EATING, SMOKING, DRINKING, ANY OBSESSION W/ SOMETHING IS AN ADDICTION(SICKNESS). THE ADDICTS NEED HELP BUT WHERE? I DON'T SEE ANYTHING IN PUTNAM COUNTY WHERE THEY CAN GET REAL HELP.

    -- Posted by MORTY3 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 2:27 PM
  • Think about it - Gina's picture can't be current, do you think she awoke from the drug od and looked that good?

    -- Posted by mal on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 2:33 PM
  • This is all one big mess. It is what it is!

    -- Posted by concerned-taxpayer303 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 2:39 PM
  • Jrswife and Taxpayer: Thank you for the feedback. You are right on some accounts maybe they havent ran things like they needed to. That's the difference between getting by and being successful. Just because their route is to Laredo doesn't meany anything. If that's the case then 90% of america is importing drugs into this country from Mexiaco, China, Tawain..etc. How many of you out there have been in a situation where you let your plates lapse or your insurance? I have worked in both Canada and Mexico and stayed there for extended periods of time but I was too busy enjoying myself with fine food and friendly people to care about bringing drugs into this country. Taxpayer...again did you physically witness or assist Mr. Morrison in growing something in the basement? Or is this more speculation? If you were so certain something could be or would have been proven then you are just as guilty as the accused for NOT bringing this to the attention of the authorities. Every neighbor, friend, or family member has the responsibility to turn in those that are dealing and making drugs. However we don't most of us turn a blind eye or don't wnat to get involved. So that makes all of us just as responsible. Meth is a drug that is EVERYWHERE! Not just poor people in a crappy interstate town but Carmel, Fishers, Indy, South Bend, the state of Maine, Delaware...etc Meth is the "Study drug" for kids! Also to bring up a family tragedy that happened is just unecessary. "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

    -- Posted by Bentoverabarrel on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 3:03 PM
  • How did the media go from a death overdose to the patient being alive and realeased from the hospital. The prosecutor is quick to say that he is not surprised by the people involved, this is a bias statement, especially when the prosecutor has served as judge of the court. William and Sonya Morrison are innocent. I know that they are drug free and would never promote, carry or transport any type of drug. Before some of the Cloverdale citizens jump up and down, understand that serious rights of every indivual are at stake. To assume that an owner knows what a renter is doing in their own personal space and the owner will be held accountable for it puts all owners at risk for possible prosecution in the future. This goes far beyond what you may think of them as indivuals. You may think they should have known, but to serve a prison term based on the actions of others is very wrong and a step in the wrong direction. You may be applauding that they are losing the property but it goes far deeper than that. Don't get fooled, the prosecution is really about seizing the property. Let them seize the property.... but to have innocent people pay for the crimes of others is a crime itself. I hope that they will have a good lawyer.

    -- Posted by betty davis on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 7:27 PM
  • I am 16 years old. I have known Gina since I was 7 years old. She always seemed troubled, but i never knew why and i never asked. I used to look up to her, as a little sister views there older siblings. Hearing that she is doing these things breaks my heart. Not only that, but it disgusts me to a point of no return. So many people care about her, but she is throwing her life away every time she bangs up. That is a pitiful excuse for a person. Some people call it a "problem", but i call it STUPIDITY. THEY ARE ALL PITIFUL. I cant believe anyone can do this to themselves.

    And Sam, on the other hand, is no good. never has been, He is a poor excuse for a human being that needs to grow up and stop trying to make people feel sorry for him due to his "LIVING CONDITIONS". thats rediculous dude. get a job. buy a house, and GROW UP

    -- Posted by anichols9706 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 7:36 PM
  • oh, and by the way, i am OVERLY disappointed Ileen. I cant believe this girl, she used to take me to the park and push me on the swings and whatnot. and now she is a drug addict. i hate that everyone i know i turning into no good druggies. hope GINA likes this publicity. she hasn't always been that photogenic, i promise. this is so pathetic that people turn into SCUM like these people. Have fun on probation/house arrest/ or in prison, SERVES YOU RIGHT.

    -- Posted by anichols9706 on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 9:36 PM
  • Why is Gina's sister commenting about AJ. I believe Gina's sister was an addict at one time and probably still is. Word has it that she lost her children over it.

    -- Posted by P.S, on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 10:31 PM
  • Cloverdale could be a very successful,vibrant town if it cleaned up it's act. Sitting right upon I-70, the potential for industry & warehousing is phenomenal (think Plainfield).

    Too bad it's such an eyesore (Midway)& that the town council is so close-minded. Cloverdale could be the economic boost that this area needs, but it will never happen. It's a real shame.

    -- Posted by ProblemTransmission on Thu, Jun 10, 2010, at 11:13 PM
  • you all could learn something from this, I hope that everyone that has bashed someone on here has a child that gets involved in drugs and you see first hand how wrong and ignorant you really are. Greencastle and Cloverdale are full of nothing but self-righteous ignorant hypocrites and police, Ive never been happier moving away from somewhere, and guess what since I left, no more problems....I dont condone your behavior Nate O Hair or any of the police there....Someone overdoses, but instead of making sure she is ok, you are worried about busting people for drugs, then you hype up some nonsense and arrest people that had nothing to do with what happened, and try to get them to roll on others, rediculous.

    SO. I guess the next question is, when someone ODs again, I wonder if they are gonna call an ambulance or just die because they are too afraid to be prosecuted for their mistake, shame on you Putnam County....Im glad I left Greencastle and Im never coming back, and to all you slandering her parents, my parents went through h with me and because of people like you they have no contact anymore with the community, and they are respected Doctors in your town, not because you people shunned them, but because they are not brainwashed by Tim Bookwalter or Judge Headley and they want no part of your extreme conservative right wing BS, and my brothers and I turned out just fine, if it wasnt for my parents I would probably still be involved in things like this, thank you Mom and Dad - I LOVE YOU, and to all you who are publicly bashing those involved - I Feel Sorry For You, Open your eyes to what is really going on, AJ - Keep your head up, I wish the best for all of you whatever that may be.....

    -- Posted by martymar312 on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 8:30 AM
  • This is to PS whoever u are:

    I know this it totally off topic and I am sorry for that, but I am not going to let someone bash me on here and not defend myself. Yes, I used to smoke pot when I was younger, but I haven't for years now. I grew up. And no, I never lost custody of my children. I share joint legal and physical custody of them. This is what my ex-husband and I agreed on 10 years ago when we got divorced because that is what we thought would be best for them and I didn't think taking complete custody of them was fair to their father. Their father and I are still friends. Saying that, I am done commenting on here. My main focus is to get my sister the help she needs.

    -- Posted by ilovemysissy on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 8:47 AM
  • Martymar312 why why would you hope someone else's child gets involved in drugs. The first sentence of your response is just pure stupidity. If you left Greencastle and are never coming back what the hell are you doing even reading the Banner Graphic? Ridiculous

    -- Posted by justme44 on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 8:53 AM
  • I am done commenting in here, this is rediculous and this forum was never meant for public bashing of others, justme44 I can speak however I feel and I dont wish pain and hurt on others, but if you had a child that went through that maybe you would be more sympathetic of others involved, but you are entitled to your own opinoin. However, calling me stupid isnt going to solve any of Putnam's problems, and I believe that I am probably more intelligent than you will ever be if you didnt understand the point of my comment. Ilovemysissy, I hope that Gina gets the help she needs, and that everyone else involved changes their lives, isnt that the point of jailing someone???? We as a country have lost that concept, help people who need it, dont bash them publicly for their mistakes, because if one of these people involved clean up years from now and you see them out on the street, what are you going to think (probably- there goes that guy from that drug bust, lets go the other way) and that is not right, have a great day all, I know I will.......

    -- Posted by martymar312 on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 10:36 AM
  • I am not from this area however I am from a small town of Indiana. When you have a story that breaks out this big people get nosy. None of these newspapers should have spots for people to comment! News is to inform a community. It shouldn't be an open forum to post a persons opinion. I mean come on is your opinion going to stand out in front of others and make things better? Didn't think so! Drugs are a sickness and they are all around us. I can only hope that when a child gets to an age of a young adult that they make decisions to the best of there ability and truly understand that drugs will get you nowhere. However in small town like many across Indiana meth, pot, coke, etc you name it will be all around. Wake up people its never going to change.

    -- Posted by Reader11 on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 2:14 PM
  • Why defend yourself when you are innocent?

    -- Posted by sherrybaby1956 on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 3:37 PM
  • Marymar312 I am a mother. Not sure how else I was to take the comment. Seems pretty black and white to me. Oh and since you want to attack my intelligence ridiculous is spelled like this check it out

    -- Posted by justme44 on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 5:20 PM
  • 1. if something was "growing" or "cooking" on your own property, you would know about it...

    2. Gina was a good person, but made bad choices (plural, more than one), so why feel sorry? Really?

    3. For all you people who say "the parents" are at fault really disgust me, she made her own decisions.

    4. The cops could have just NOT done anything about it, and let it keep happening, but they did, and got 8 dirtbags off the streets. Sucks that someone had to OD before anything got done, but it's done, and 8 people are in jail because of it.

    I don't mean to be hateful or whatever, but no one made anyone do anyting. Gina was on house arrest, and she still had drugs brought to her... really? People who are feeling sorry for her make me sick! As well as everyone else in this article; they have ALL had a bad reputation for a long time. They are off the streets. Who cares what they did before now, it doesn't matter. They got caught for something that happened today, not 20 years ago, quit feeling sorry for people. Wonder who else was living in dirtville... they are probably on something too, how bout checking those people out?

    -- Posted by tlsb44 on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 5:48 PM
  • to the fool who said they moved to Indianapolis from Cloverdale, and feel they are in a safer, and better place, count the number of killings, rapes, other crimes in your wonderfull town of Indianapolis. I will take Cloverdale, and Putnam Co. any time over that zoo you live in.

    -- Posted by razor man on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 6:52 PM
  • To razor man: there is more crime in Indianapolis. The difference is you don't have the judgemental hick views like tlsb44.

    To tlsb44: I hope a real dirtbag moves in by you. Anyone who has an addiction needs years of rehab, not jail.

    This is for snide6, I'm sure that bail was 10% of whatever the bond was. I'm sure someone who has faith in the Morrison's posted that bail. If I had the money I would put mega bucks out to defend them. To assume you are responsible for indivuals who rent from you is ridiculous.

    Go back to your nice house and your little white fence.

    -- Posted by betty davis on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 8:02 PM
  • Snide6: Like Mrs. Davis said all you need is 10% of the bond to bail them out. It was put on a credit card as there isnt even that kind of money to be had at a moments notice. Secondly they are always working even if they are not driving. They spend their whole time working hard to make ends meet. The EPA and State HAS been out there on the invitation of the Morrisons themselves and they passed. Before you answer why the Motel was "shutdown" it was over a blocked sewer pipe that has been recently unblocked. Was is necessary for the police to use the property as their personal toilet? They left their Mcdonalds bags, rubber gloves, trash, drink cups all over the place. It may not be much to some good people it is their home. If I threw my trash into their yard I would be arrested for littering. So should we fine the county for littering?

    -- Posted by Bentoverabarrel on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 9:40 PM
  • Also there are those that were arrested that probably deserved this. It is not my place to "judge" them. Then there are those that ARE innocent. When you take an oath that oath is to UPHOLD the law. You don't bend it or recreate it for yourself. To quote are fine proescutor "Meth is a poor mans cocaine. It doesn't surprise me of the individuals involved" So he has already implied that the "poor" are meth users and manufacturers and if you are "poor" it wouldn't surprise him if you were using meth....WOW. Good thing over half this country isn't unemployed or under employed we would all be using meth. Secondly I seriously doubt he knows the "individuals" personally to make such a statement without solid fact. However I agree that drug use is a problem and it does need addressed. But in a PROFESSIONAL and ETHICAL way.

    -- Posted by Bentoverabarrel on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 9:54 PM
  • This is crazy,a man dies in jail,it gets 32 comments,8 people get arrested for drugs,it gets 94!Lord help us all!!!

    -- Posted by obeone on Fri, Jun 11, 2010, at 10:59 PM
  • So...

    ("the officers got search warrants for the rest of the Midway apartments and the surrounding properties. The search turned up a small methamphetamine lab in a horse trailer, 160 marijuana plants and various drug paraphernalia items including Sudafed, Liquid Fire, tubing and syringes.")

    Must have been well hidden for the owners of the property not to see it... Or was it that they just don't inspect their property? Reminds me of the three monkeys, hear no evil, see no evil speak no evil. Most people I know that own property know every square inch of it. Commercial property always needs maintenence.

    This is a motel, don't they change the sheets and replace towels and clean the rooms? If not must be a pretty crappy place then. They don't mow the grass I take it either, 160 plants and a meth lab in a trailer as I said are things that aren't hidden well on your property unless you are turning a blind eye for some reason.

    -- Posted by Rulek on Sat, Jun 12, 2010, at 1:54 AM
  • Betty Davis sounds like she's jealous of a white picket fence.

    -- Posted by sherrybaby1956 on Sat, Jun 12, 2010, at 2:28 AM
  • "quote"This is a motel, don't they change the sheets and replace towels and clean the rooms? If not must be a pretty crappy place then. They don't mow the grass I take it either, 160 plants and a meth lab in a trailer as I said are things that aren't hidden well on your property unless you are turning a blind eye for some reason."unquote"

    Midway is a drug haven. Morrison's kids and friends all live at Midway. They didn't need sheets changed by Mr. & Mrs. Morrison. If they were broke and not able to post bail, then how did they run their dump truck business?

    How come so many posting here know the Morrisons so well? Do you have a connection? Did your supply get cut off because of all this action?

    There is a reason for everything... remember that! And perhaps the heroin overdose by the girl was a karmic cry that all this drug business stops in Cloverdale........ wait... how far did this trucking company haul out to? delivery of drugs being hidden by the truck business? Sounds like an ongoing drug business to me. I hope Mr. & Mrs. Morrison enjoy their time out of jail cause they'll be back behind the bars soon and our community will be safe at least from THEM and their motel business. Last house they lived in was condemned.. they need to condemn that whole hill.

    -- Posted by sherrybaby1956 on Sat, Jun 12, 2010, at 2:46 AM
  • sherrybaby: Yes I do know the Morrisons pretty well. If my knowing them makes me a user without a connection then what does that make you? You seem to know a lot about them yourself? Does this knowledge make you a user too? Also most of the charges have been dropped. Why? They don't make it a habit of dropping charges when they have solid evidence. All those items you listed above I have in my garage and home. Sudafed (cold medicine), Liquid fire (starting fluid, tubing (for the tranfer of fluids, and lubricants) and lastly syringes are useful for a lot of things not just for injecting drugs. I hope they don't raid a farmer, poor fellow would be up the river. Finally it has not been ran as a motel for a long time. They provided rooms to those down on their luck or that have no where else to go. If you feel that the Morrisons place is an eyesore and unfit for human habitat would you like to open up your home to one of the families living there that have no where else to live? The truly sad thing is I am willing to bet that out of 10 people you are close to or "know" at least 4 of them do an illegal drug or "use" prescription drugs, or have used in the past. Does that make them bad people? I highly doubt it. Does it make them drug users? Yes. How many people do you know drink or smoke? Both of which are very dangerous and they are legal yet kill more peole each year than all of the illegal drug use combined. The sad thing is what is the true problem here? Is it concern in a community over illegal drug use and trafficking, or do people in the community just don't like the Morrisons and their "eyesore?"

    -- Posted by Bentoverabarrel on Sun, Jun 13, 2010, at 1:49 AM
  • Bentoverbarrel: I'm sure you have most of those things in or around your house, as most of us reading this probably do to. But the difference between us and the Morrisons' or anyone renting from them is that we don't have meth in the cupboard next to our syringes. How's it go? If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then maybe it's a duck! You can't honestly say that if you found all that stuff in your child's closet that you would disregard it.

    To anyone trashing the officers involved, remember every word you typed. Statistics show that of 308 million Americans, 240 million will dial 911 every year. I pray that you who bash our officers time and time again, are one of the 68 million that never have to ask for their aide.

    To the young lady's family, I am sorry you must go through this but hopefully this will be a wakeup call. Life is too precious to risk even one second on a short term fix for long term problems. Therapy can go a long way, especially with someone who is so young and impressionable.

    -- Posted by WTFRUthinkin on Sun, Jun 13, 2010, at 2:49 AM
  • Bentoverabarrel: In the society we live in, how you present yourself and your affiliation with others has much to do with the type of person you are. Everything you write sounds like you are taking all this personally. Have a hit a sore note in you? Did these arrests stop your supply of drugs? You say syringes are used for many things other than injecting drugs... what would that be? Please enlighten me! As far as the Morrisons etc... lets stay on topic.. the topic being the meth lab and the marijuana growing. That is what disgusted me! That in itself tells me the whole Midway hill and occupants are a bunch of dopers. They all down in their luck? The hill is right there at Jessy James Corner! Get a job, get off your arse, and quit selling dope to get by. But! you do have to pass a urine test free of drugs to work.... that could be the whole problem there! By the Morrisons taking there lazy doping family in and giving them free living is NOT doing any of them a favor! So Bentoverabarrel... quit crying over spilled milk!

    They got caught and they'll pay! Calm down! This is society's way!

    -- Posted by sherrybaby1956 on Sun, Jun 13, 2010, at 3:09 AM
  • sherrybaby1956: I woudln't say that I was taking this personally at all. In fact the only ones I am really trying to defend are William and Sonya. All of their drivers including themselves MUST go have a random and current drug screen to drive. If that were the case then their CDL would be pulled. Also just a few of the people living there do work for them not everyone. There are others there that do work. They have jobs but maybe it isn't enough that is what the term "underemployed" means. It is REALLY hard to find good work I hope you are one of the luckier ones that haven't been on an unemployment line. Then again maybe if you walked a mile in another persons shoes your outlook might be different. If anyone here seems to be taking a personal agenda here it looks like you are in front of the crowd with your pitchfork and torch. To answer your questions the many uses of syringes are as follows: Cooking, injection of lubricants or glues, diabetics, feeding of small animals, precise measurement and control of mixing chemicals, creating a vaccum, extraction of infection or the extraction of a foriegn contamenant, or in my case epinephrine that I have to carry around 24-7. Again if there was TRULY a meth lab found the charges wouldn't have been dropped. The owner of the plants turned themselves in of their own accord. I am only expressing facts. Were all of those people arrested? Yes. Were they charged with a laundry list of felonies? Yes. Were all but a few of those charges dropped? Yes. Also with every other MAJOR bust around here or anywhere for that matter you always see the picutres. The table full of guns and pounds of pot or bags of dope. If you make the claim on finding a major meth lab that would be the first thing I would put out there. A hundred and sixty plants. Wow that is photo worthy. Back when Frisbee was still a patrolman he had one of the largest coke busts in the nation. There was pictures of him standing on all that dope like a king. He was on top of the world from that point after....then we all know that story. There was NO eye candy for the masses. No, there was not stopping my drug supply. I used to do stupid things 20 years ago just like any teenager hanging with their friends. To insinuate that is a sign of desperation. Especially toward someone you don't even know. AS far as calming down I am not the one using exclamation points in my talkback. The courts will ultimately decide the fates of all individuals arrested that day. I am an advocate for justice to those that deserve it. I also believe that sometimes good people get caught in the middle of something it happens ALL the time. Just like any parent/s out there with troubled kids you do what you can for them. You want them to succeed. You love them and that is what keep syou believing that they will do the right thing. If loving your child to the point of naivety is a crime then you better start building more prisons. :)

    -- Posted by Bentoverabarrel on Sun, Jun 13, 2010, at 12:58 PM
  • I would like to point out that all charges are ALLEDGED until proven in court.The police do thier job as seen by them at the time of such alledged crimes,then the prosacuters determ what laws(if any)were broken and by whom,then file charges as needed.Now before I get slammed,I do not know any of these people personally,I still hope they get thier day in court to either prove or disprove these alagations,for that is what the legal system is for,innocent till proven guilty.

    -- Posted by obeone on Sun, Jun 13, 2010, at 3:42 PM
  • What's really sad is that Gina came into my place of work two days ago, which was right after the bust and her drug overdose, and she was as high as a kite. She made a scene and made herself look even worse. I feel sorry for her and her family. I can't even imagine what they are going through. I still have a lot of growing up to do, but I could not imagine letting drugs control my life like that. I hope that she finds God and helps herself get out of this horrible situation that she has got herself and her family into.

    -- Posted by shay318 on Sun, Jun 13, 2010, at 10:42 PM
  • only 1/3 the story is out there, 80-90% of the police in this area are using illegitamate tactics, dont believe stories or the paper, yall know who knows whats going on and yall know who doesnt know whats going on, gut instincts are almost always right, there is/are an informant(s) about so watch your ***, be weary of sam robertson and joseph taylor, the man and woman from spencer are unknown so who knows what they have done/said, but stay away from sam and joe like the plague....get my drift, also idk whats up with with aj monnett or ballinger, the block is hot so stay on toes.....

    -=[CHuCKT]=-

    -- Posted by chuckt46120 on Thu, Jun 17, 2010, at 12:55 AM
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