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Fugitive wanted in federal meth case captured
Clay County Sheriff Mike Heaton confirmed Friday morning that a Clay County man wanted on federal drug charges was apprehended late Thursday evening in Terre Haute.
Sankey Rust, 32, was one of 18 individuals who were federally indicted Wednesday morning on charges of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distributing methamphetamine.
"They did arrest (Rust) in Terre Haute near or at a hotel," Heaton told The Brazil Times Friday morning. "I'm not sure where."
Heaton said Rust was transported to the Clay County Justice Center and was being held pending transport out of the facility.
Heaton said the U.S. Federal Marshal's Fugitive Task Force, in addition to the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Wabash Valley Safe Streets Task Force, made the arrest.
As the hunt for Rust continued, officials considered him possibly armed and dangerous based on his criminal history.
However, Heaton said Rust was arrested without incident.
"He gave up," Heaton said. "There was no problem apparently. I'm not sure if he had a (weapon) in his possession at the time of his arrest."
During the search for Rust, officials believed he was still in the Wabash Valley.
"When they know they're actively being (sought), they're kind of looking over their shoulders to some extent," Heaton said. "With the resources the (FBI and others) have, it was a very quick apprehension. When they're looking for somebody like this with this type of crime ... it's at the top of the list."
Heaton added he was pleased the search for Rust wasn't long.
"I'm glad he was picked up," Heaton said. "There was always speculation that he wasn't going to go easy. We hear that stuff in this line of work all the time. But I'm pleased there is the potential that he may be out of the community."
Seventeen of the 18 individuals indicted Wednesday were arrested Tuesday in a federal sting. Three of the 18 were from the Putnam County area, while a number of others had Putnam County ties.