Five Arrested In Sunman Meth, Heroin Busts

Indiana State Police carried out a search warrant at a home on Eastern Avenue on May 13.

(Left to right) Michel Freeman, Rachel Freeman, Brandon Freeman, Lynn Courtney and Kesha Shupe. Photos by Ripley County Sheriff's Office.

(Sunman, Ind.) - A man called the primary source of meth in Sunman is among five people arrested after a drug bust.

Indiana State Police led a search warrant at an apartment above a liquor store on Eastern Avenue in Sunman on May 13, according to a probable cause affidavit filed in Ripley County court.

Tenants of the apartment were Michel Freeman II, Rachel Freeman, Brandon Freeman, and Lynn Courtney.

Troopers allegedly found illicit drug items during the search, including baggies of methamphetamine, digital scales, and glass smoking pipes. A “snort tube” made from a plastic pen allegedly tested positive for meth.

Investigators alleged that Michel Freeman “is the primary source of methamphetamine in the Sunman area since he had moved back to the town.”

An informant present at the drug bust told investigators that he purchased meth from Michel Freeman on multiple occasions at the apartment.

Michel, 37, and Rachel Freeman, 38, were each charged with Conspiracy to Commit Dealing in a Controlled Substance (level 6 felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (level 6 felony), Maintaining a Common Nuisance (level 6 felony), and Possession of Paraphernalia (class C misdemeanor).

Brandon Freeman, 19 is charged with Conspiracy to Commit Dealing in a Controlled Substance (level 6 felony), Possession of Methamphetamine (level 6 felony), and Possession of Paraphernalia (class C misdemeanor).

Courtney, 55, has been charged with Dealing in a Controlled Substance (level 6 felony).

The informant also helped police coordinate a heroin buy from another accused dealer. Kesha Shupe showed up at the apartment within minutes and was met by police.

She allegedly admitted to carrying a ½ gram of heroin with possible fentanyl mixed in. Police say Shupe admitted to her intention to sell the heroin for $60. In her purse, police discovered two corner-cut bags containing a powder substance as well as a dose of the overdose reversal drug Narcan.

Shupe, 35, of Sunman, is charged with Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (level 5 felony).