Investigation continues in Reelsville arrests

A lengthy investigation into reported stolen merchandise from a Clay County business led to a search warrant served by members of the Clay County and Putnam County sheriff's departments, Brazil City Police Department K-9 unit and the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section at a Reelsville residence early Tuesday morning.

Although still in the early stages of the investigation, officials at the Putnam County Sheriff's Department confirmed as a result of the search warrant, John Deal, 56, and Lori Archer, 45, both of Reelsville, were taken into custody before 3 a.m., Tuesday.

Clay County Sheriff's Department officials confirmed to The Brazil Times undisclosed merchandise previously reported stolen from an unidentified local business was discovered at the Reelsville residence.

Putnam County Sheriff's Department officials confirmed that Deal and Archer were booked into the Putnam County Jail.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in Putnam County Circuit Court, Deal is facing formal charges of two counts of class A felony dealing in methamphetamine, two class C felony charges of possession of methamphetamine over 3 grams, one class D felony charge of receiving stolen property, one class A felony charge of conspiracy to commit dealing in methamphetamine, one class B felony charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a violent felon and one class D felony charge of maintaining a common nuisance.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed in the same court by officials in the case against Archer, he is facing formal charges of class A felony dealing methamphetamine, class C felony possession of methamphetamine over 3 grams, class A felony conspiracy to commit dealing in methamphetamine and class D felony maintaining a common nuisance.

Both suspects remain incarcerated without bond while awaiting formal court proceedings, while officials confirmed further details are being withheld to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.