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Citizen’s call leads to arrest of federal fugitive
A report from a citizen of suspicious activity not only led to local drug charges, but brought a woman into custody who was wanted by the FBI.
According to a post on the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, it all started with a call Friday evening.
“Another one of our keen-eyed citizens observed some suspicious behavior at the Houck Bridge today,” according to the post. “Deputy Brian Helmer arrived on scene first and made contact with the suspicious persons. It was quickly learned that one of the suspects was wanted by the FBI out of another state.”
PCSO is not yet able to provide the nature of the federal charges, though the person wanted by the FBI is 31-year-old Kasey Cuevas of Rensselaer.
Federal agents will be coming to Putnam County to question Cuevas.
Deputies Josh Deal and Scott Ducker arrived on the scene soon after Helmer, and a search of the vehicle yielded several hypodermic needles and a small amount of a substance suspected to be methamphetamine.
Cuevas’ companion initially would not identify himself, and was thus booked into the jail as “John Doe.” For his refusal, he faces charges of Level 6 felony identity deception and Class A misdemeanor false informing.
As of Saturday afternoon, the man had been identified as 50-year-old Scott Rector of Fair Oaks.
Both Cuevas and Rector were charged with Level 6 felony unlawful possession of a syringe and Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine.
Rector is also wanted on warrants out of Pulaski and Starke counties.
Because the suspects were seen walking around Houck Bridge, deputies did a sweep of the area for any needles or drugs.
Due to the nature of the investigation, PCSO cannot share more about the federal charges against Cuevas, though Ducker told the Banner Graphic that FBI representatives were excited to learn she was in custody.
Above all, PCSO representatives were proud to note that concerned citizens helped make the arrest happen.
“It was the help of our fellow citizens that got a federal fugitive off the streets. It’s awesome to know that so many of you care about the safety of our little county,” the post concluded.
