Theft, burglary cases lead to drug arrest

By Andrea McCann, staff writer

Several intertwining theft and burglary cases led the Linton Police Department into a drug investigation and the arrest of Samuel Neal Wainman, 49, State Road 59 North.

”It's complicated because multiple investigations are intertwined,“ said LPD Chief Keith McDonald.

He said there was an unrelated ongoing drug investigation involving Wainman. Then they discovered he was involved in the theft and burglary cases. In some cases, Wainman received stolen property in exchange for drugs.

The drug investigation concluded with the discovery of 9.5 pounds of marijuana at Wainman's address, along with a handgun, a shotgun, scales, paraphernalia, and $7,270 in cash. According to an LPD news release, the estimated street value of the marijuana is $15,000.

”He's a serious violent felon,“ McDonald said of Wainman. ”He can't possess a firearm because of a previous conviction on dealing in a controlled substance.“

Wainman is preliminarily charged with possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a B felony; possession of marijuana over 30 grams, a D felony; and maintaining a common nuisance, a D felony.

A Class B felony carries a sentence of six to 20 years, and each D felony carries a term of six months to three years. Each felony also has a maximum fine of $10,000.

McDonald said there will be more arrests related to the thefts and burglaries. He said Patrol officer Blaine Gillan got the first break in the cases. Since then, pretty much all of the LPD officers have gotten involved, he said, because there are dozens of cases.

”It's a heavy work load,“ he said. ”We're still working on charges.“

McDonald added that LPD will pursue seizure of properties involved in the drug case.

”That will help us with investigations down the road,“ he said.

Children live at the residence, and according to McDonald, the Department of Child Services will follow up to see what their exposure has been to the illegal activities.

”It's standard procedure when children are involved,“ he said.

Patrol Officer Josh Goodman was the investigating officer on the case. He was assisted by Lt. Det. Troy Jerrell, Sgt. Det. Duane Collenbaugh, Patrol Officers Jayson Smith and Blaine Gillan, and Reserve Officer Kent Medlock. Worthington Officer Don Richardson and K-9 Teddy also assisted.