Versailles, In. —Entering his 21st year as Ripley County prosecutor Ric Hertel is sending a clear message to those who peddle drugs with his recent actions. Hertel said, “In my experience of prosecuting and trying drug cases, this is the message the community is sending to me-possession is a crime and will be prosecuted, but drug dealers are the bigger problem and should be dealt with as such.”
As of February 19, 2019 multiple drug dealers have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences.
On January 15, 2019, Betty Richards was convicted of possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine and sentenced to 12 years in prison. At the sentencing hearing, evidence was presented that Richards had about 8 grams of methamphetamine in her Versailles home and was actively selling methamphetamine. The transactions were done in a bedroom she shared with her grandchildren sometimes.
On the same day, Andrew Dailey was sentenced to 10 years in prison for a second felony dealing in methamphetamine charge. Court documents in that case show Dailey had a handgun when he delivered methamphetamine to a house in Milan where two children were present. Two years of the sentence was suspended to probation.
On January 31, 2019, Nathan Strickling was convicted of possession with intent to deal methamphetamine and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, 20 years suspended to probation. Court documents say Strickling delivered individually packaged methamphetamine to a residence in Milan. A forensic investigation of his cell phone determined had conducted frequent drug transactions.
Also on January 31, Joseph Macvey was convicted of dealing in a schedule I, II, or III controlled substance and sentenced to 12 years in prison, 4 years suspended to probation. Macvey and Nathan Strickling were both found at the Milan residence. A forensic analysis of Macvey’s cell phone revealed he was actively selling prescription pills.
On February 5, Teresa (a.k.a “Sis) Thornton (Teeters) was sentenced to 10 years in prison as a repeat offender for dealing a narcotic drug and being a habitual offender. Court documents say Thornton dealt prescription pills, specifically oxycodone, from her apartment in the Sunman/Milan area. During the investigation, Thornton admitted to selling drugs on multiple occasions. She was on probation for a Dearborn County drug violation when she was arrested.
On February 12, 2019, Doug White was sentenced to 20 years in prison as a repeat offender for possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine. Court documents say White had approximately 26 grams of methamphetamine that he admitted was intended for future distribution.
