Marshall County Prosecutor Nelson Chipman detailed Friday from various court documents the basis of several arrests that occurred early Wednesday morning of January 24, 2024. A search warrant was previously obtained from Marshall Superior Court III Judge Matthew Sarber and soon executed at 905 South Michigan Street, in Plymouth, one block north of Webster Elementary School.
The facts upon which the search warrant was based were the result of a continuing methamphetamine dealing investigation led by Detective Sgt. Jonathan Bryant of the Marshall County Police Department. Assisting in the raid were officers from both the MCPD and the Plymouth Police Department. Detective Derek Workman was the lead investigator from the Plymouth PD.
Officers approached the rear entrance of the Michigan St. home, loudly knocked and announced their presence multiple times. After a reasonable amount of time passed, Det Sgt Bryant entered the premises through the unlocked door immediately followed by assisting law enforcement officers who methodically spread out through the home shouting for all occupants to come out of the respective bedrooms with hands raised.
The first occupant to be encountered was Jamie Dale Howell, 53, of the Michigan Street address. He was ordered to the ground and handcuffed. Soon to emerge from other rooms, ordered to the ground and handcuffed were Thomas Howell, 59, of the same address; Carrie Sanders, 43, of the same address; Faith Noel Johnson, 26, and Shayne Lee Volle, 32, both from the same rural Walkerton address. All were informed of their respective constitutional rights as embodied in the Miranda decision. The search warrant was then explained to Jamie and Thomas Howell, and Thomas was allowed to read the warrant prior to it being posted within the home.
The filed Affidavit of Probable Cause alleges that officers immediately observed several ounces of suspected methamphetamine in one of bedrooms. Methamphetamine paraphernalia, digital scales and more suspected methamphetamine were located within the bedrooms of the other occupants as well. Upon these observations, all five individuals were transported to the Marshall County Jail.
It is alleged that found during a more detailed search of the home were several larger baggies of suspected methamphetamine, packaging materials, additional digital scales and 15 smaller baggies of suspected methamphetamine packaged for sale, and another 9 larger baggies of suspected methamphetamine secreted within a locked safe.
The total weight of the suspected methamphetamine is nearly one and a half pounds. Officers also allegedly found one and a half pounds of marijuana.
The individuals detained and their preliminary charges and bond amounts are as follows:
Jamie Dale Howell: Count I: Dealing in Methamphetamine, Level 2 felony; Count II: Dealing in Methamphetamine-enhancement, Level 2 felony; Count III: Possession of Methamphetamine over 28 grams, Level 3 felony; Count IV: Maintaining a common nuisance, Level 6 felony. Currently held in Marshall County Jail on a $50,000 bond.
Thomas Howell: Count I: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 felony; Count II: Maintaining a common nuisance, Level 6 felony. Currently held in MCJ on $5,000 bond.
Shayne Volle: Count I: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 felony; Count II: Visiting a common nuisance, misdemeanor. Currently held in MCJ on $3000 bond.
Faith Johnson: Count I: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 felony; Count II: Visiting a common nuisance, misdemeanor. Currently held in MCJ on $3000 bond.
Carrie Sanders: Count I: Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 felony; Count II: Maintaining a common nuisance, Level 6 felony. Currently held in MCJ on $3000 bond.
All five defendants await their initial appearance in Superior Court I and Superior Court III probably next week.
Chipman went on to praise the work of Det Sgt Bryant and noted the smooth collaboration between the law enforcement agencies in the execution of the search warrant and subsequent arrests. These operations always carry a degree of risk of injury to not only law enforcement officers but also to civilians. The location close to an elementary school heightens the risk even further. It is always a relief that in preparing a press release I can report the facts that bring the case to court, and not have to detail the infliction of any unnecessary injuries on anyone involved. I commend the tactical skills of the Plymouth and Marshall County departments.”
Readers are reminded that criminal charges are mere allegations and that the person so charged is presumed innocent of the allegations unless or until proven guilty in a court of law beyond a reasonable doubt.
