Greencastle man arrested for possessing explosives

A Greencastle man was arrested earlier this week for possession of a destructive device, a Class C felony.

Thomas Garrett, 19, entered a not guilty plea in Putnam County Circuit Court, and was released from jail after posting a $1,000 bond the day of his arrest. He is set to be in court for a pretrial conference on Jan. 15.

Garrett was arrested in connection with a May 12 incident in which he is accused of selling three explosive devices from his apartment in the 1000 block of Castlebury Drive.

Court documents said Garrett procured six devices from David Sutherlin, 36, of Greencastle, but he "got scared, called Dave Sutherlin back and gave the three remaining devices back because he had heard that he could get into trouble for selling them."

Police made contact with Sutherlin shortly after speaking with Garrett, court documents said.

"I asked David Sutherlin if he had been selling any explosive devices," a narrative written by Greencastle Police Department Assistant Chief Brian Hopkins said. "He advised he works for a fireworks place in Terre Haute and has a license to make fireworks and transport and he knows he can't sell fireworks. I advised him that we have good information that he has been making them and selling them. I asked Sutherlin if he would sign and consent to search and he advised 'no.'"

Officers did secure a search warrant for Sutherlin's vehicle, and found a variety of pills and other controlled substances, as well as the same type of powder that was used to make the explosive devices found in Garrett's home. Some of the devices in Garrett's possession were also found to have Sutherlin's initials on them.

Sutherlin was charged with Class C felony possession with intent to distribute and possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance, both Class D felonies. He will be in court for a pretrial conference on Thursday.

A class C felony is punishable by up to 8 years in prison. Class D felonies are punishable by up to three years.