Probation check at Fillmore residence yields meth lab, shotguns, arrest
FILLMORE -- A routine probation visit by the Putnam County Probation Office and troopers from the Putnamville Post of the Indiana State Police has resulted in the discovery of a meth lab and the subsequent arrest of the homeowner.
David W. Benassi, 48, Fillmore, has been preliminarily charged with one count of manufacturing methamphetamine, a Class B felony; one count of maintaining a common nuisance, Class D; one count of possession of precursors, Class D; and two counts of possession of a sawed-off shotgun, Class D.
Benassi is currently held in the Putnam County Jail without bond.
During the home visit on North Main Street in Fillmore, officers allegedly found items related to the manufacturing of methamphetamine and two sawed-off shotguns inside the living area of the home.
Outside the residence and near the next-door neighbor's home, officers found an active "one-pot" meth lab, allegedly hidden there by Benassi.
All items of evidence relating to the meth lab and shotguns were processed as evidence and removed from the area by members of the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression unit.
A surveillance camera aimed out the front door of the Benassi residence, with the capability of monitoring the Fillmore Town Hall (where the office of the Fillmore Town Marshal is located), was in operation when the authorities arrived.
"Benassi had the capability of watching whatever the camera was focused on from inside his home," Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Sgt. Joe Watts said.
The investigating officers were ISP Troopers Shilo Raulston and Jason Kempf. Assisting were Putnam County Probation Officer Cody Tillotson and Fillmore Deputy Town Marshal Nick Eastham.
The Putnamville Post had reportedly received numerous complaints and tips from Fillmore residents in recent days about possible meth-related activity at the Benassi residence.
"That information was vital in today's arrest," Sgt. Watts noted.