North Vernon Man Facing Drug Charges in Dearborn Co. After Traffic Stop

Police allegedly seized 29 grams of fentanyl.

James Watkins. Photo provided.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - A North Vernon man is facing charges in Dearborn County after Aurora Police allegedly seized 29 grams of fentanyl. 

James Watkins has been charged with Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl), a Level 2 Felony in Dearborn Superior Court II. 

The charge stems from a traffic stop that took place on March 6. Officers initiated the stop after observing alleged traffic violations. During the stop, K-9 Ozzy conducted a free-air-sniff of the vehicle and indicated the detection of illegal drugs emitting from the vehicle. 

At that time, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and officers allegedly located 29 grams of suspected fentanyl. 

Watkins is being held in the Dearborn County Law Enforcement Center on $500,000 cash bond, in addition to $750,000 surety. If convicted, he faces 10 to 30 years in prison.

"Mr. Watkins is innocent until proven guilty in court," said Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. "However, a large amount of fentanyl was taken off the streets. My office is committed to aggressive prosecution of these kinds of cases in an effort to get drugs out of our community. I want to thank Aurora Police, K-9 Officer Ozzy and the Indiana State Police for the good police work that went into making this arrest." 

More from Local News

Events

Two Pools of Mosquitos Tested Positive for West Nile Virus in Ohio County

No human cases of West Nile Virus have been detected in Ohio County.

2027 DCF Scholarship Applications Now Available for High School Seniors

Scholarships are available for students at five area high schools.

Garbage Truck Fire Reported at Milan High School

This is the second fire of this type within two months at the same location.

Local Sports Report - September 18-19, 2026

Tons of high school sports action over the weekend.

Switzerland County Wins First Girls Golf Sectional in School History

Sectional 30 was held at Sunrise in Madison

Batesville Girls Golf Captures 7th Straight Sectional Title

Sectional 27 was held at Greensburg Country Club.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Suzy Bogguss - Outbound Plane

Billy Currington We Are Tonight 13:04
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 13:02
Martina McBride I Love You 12:59
Luke Combs Better Together 12:56