Versailles, IN—Friday, Gabriel “Eddie” Seitz, 29-years-old, of Versailles, IN, was found guilty as charged of Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor, and Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor following a three-day jury trial in Ripley County Superior Court. Seitz will be sentenced on December 3, 2019, by Judge Jeffrey Sharp with a range of imprisonment from 1 year to 5 3/4 years total for all charges. Seitz’s charges stem from law enforcement’s discovery of nearly five grams of crystal methamphetamine in a truck bed Seitz was standing next to and a syringe located in a bag belonging to Seitz at a residence located in Versailles.
According to Prosecutor Ric Hertel, at trial, the State called officers from the Indiana State Police and Versailles Police Department as witnesses. The officers explained that they arrived at a residence just south of Pangburn Park in Versailles, IN in an attempt to locate a wanted individual. While surveilling the residence in question, the officers observed numerous individuals entering and exiting the converted garage area of the residence. After obtaining a search warrant, the officers entered the residence where methamphetamine, heroin, numerous controlled substances, syringes, and drug paraphernalia were located. Also located in the garage area was a suitcase belonging to Seitz that contained a syringe and a spoon that had been used to assist in the injection of methamphetamine.
The officers further testified that while they were at the house, a truck pulled into the driveway where Seitz was the passenger. When officers exited the house and detained Seitz, he was standing next to the truck bed of the truck. After a search of the truck, officers located nearly five grams of methamphetamine in the truck bed. The State also called two forensic scientists from the Indiana State Police Laboratory to discuss the forensic evidence located in the case. The first scientist was able to confirm that the substance located by the officers was methamphetamine. The second scientist testified that she discovered Seitz’s DNA on the bag of methamphetamine located in the truck bed.
At trial, the State of Indiana was represented by Chief Deputy Prosecutor Shane A. Tucker. Tucker wanted to compliment the Indiana State Police and their laboratory for their dedication to this case and their thorough investigation. Further, Tucker wanted to thank the jury for their attentiveness to the evidence throughout this trial. Regarding the case, Prosecutor Ric Hertel stated, “Drugs continue to be a significant issue that affects nearly every facet of our community. My office will continue to address our county’s drug problem head-on. We’re encouraged with the jury’s finding of guilt on all counts.”
