Stash of drugs, guns, cash leads to arrest

JONESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - A man who police said invited them inside his home after they found a possibly stolen vehicle in his driveway wound up in jail when officers noticed drugs, guns and cash in the home.

When Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Jimmy Green arrived at the Jonesville residence investigating a reported domestic disturbance, a Chevrolet Avalanche in the driveway caught his eye as being similar to one that had been reported stolen. Indiana State Police Trooper Chris Lockman verified by the vehicle’s VIN that it was the same one reported stolen out of Columbus.

When they asked the resident, Kevin Hiten, about the vehicle, he claimed to have bought it months ago and offered to take the officers inside to show them the title, ISP said. Once inside, Lockman saw what he believed to be marijuana and other drug paraphernalia, prompting him to detain Hiten as a search warrant for his home was obtained.

Upon further investigation, officers found several firearms – including a sawed-off shotgun – along with marijuana, methamphetamine, thousands of pseudoephedrine pills and several other precursors used to make meth, drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash.

Hiten was taken to the Bartholomew County Jail on preliminary charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, and was subsequently preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine with a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, possession of over 10 grams of pseudoephedrine with a firearm, possession of two or more methamphetamine precursors with a firearm, possession of marijuana, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of a sawed-off shotgun, and possession of paraphernalia.

ISP said the investigation continues, and further charges may be coming.