Columbus, IN—Two suspects were arrested when Columbus police officers recovered a stolen license plate along with drugs and counterfeit currency after receiving a suspicious persons report on Thursday evening. Shortly after 7:00 p.m., CPD officers responded to Target, located at 1865 N. National Road, in regards to two people acting suspiciously inside the store. The suspects exited the store a short time later and drove off in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle which was stopped by CPD officers.
Officers determined that the license plate on the suspects’ vehicle was stolen in Noblesville earlier this year and both occupants of the vehicle were detained. One of the suspects gave a false name to officers but was later positively identified as John M. Sebastian, 34, of Westfield. The other suspect was identified as Tawnee F. Lathrop, 29, of Noblesville.
While searching the vehicle, officers reportedly located several counterfeit bills in the glove compartment as well as in Lathrop’s purse. Officers also located methamphetamine along with a scanner/printer, several printer cartridges, and a paper cutter inside the vehicle.
Tawnee Lathrop was charged with allegations of Theft, Forgery/Counterfeiting, and Possession of Methamphetamine.
John Sebastian was charged with allegations of Theft, False Informing, Forgery/Counterfeiting, and a Marion County Warrant.
The investigation is ongoing.
