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Trial continued for alleged meth dealer
The trial of a Russellville man charged with dealing in methamphetamine was slated to begin Wednesday, but was continued until Jan. 14.
Chad Buttery, 28, is facing a charge of Class B felony dealing in meth, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Buttery's charges were enhanced because he allegedly committed the crimes he is accused of within 1,000 feet of a school, court documents said.
The vehicle Buttery was driving on Oct. 3 was stopped by Greencastle Police Department Officer Chris Helmer for an equipment violation (a non-working license plate light). Court documents said that stop yielded the discovery that Buttery was in possession of meth precursors used in meth production, and that "further investigation led to the discovery of fleeing suspects and live marijuana growth in a nearby residence."
When Helmer stopped the car, Buttery and another male subject, later identified as Timothy French, 34, took off on foot, court documents said. Helmer lost both men, but returned to the still-running vehicle, where he discovered what he believed to be the components of a rolling meth lab.
Buttery and French were located at the residence of Frederick Buttery in the 1000 block of Avenue E. The car Helmer found the meth manufacturing items in was registered to Frederick Buttery, court documents said.
The lab was dismantled by officers from the Indiana State Police. Samples taken from the car tested positive for meth.
Buttery may also be deemed a habitual offender. His criminal history includes convictions in Montgomery County for Class C felony conspiracy to commit burglary in January 2001 and Class D felony theft in December 2005. In both of those cases he violated the terms of his probation more than once and was sent to prison to serve suspended sentences. He was last released from prison on July 25.