Peterson
After a three-year investigation, the Michigan City Police Department Street Crimes Unit (SCU) arrested a man whom they believe is a “major player” in narcotics dealings.
Willie John Peterson, 56, who is longtime manager of Budjet cars at 1902 E. Michigan Blvd., was arrested March 26, 2015, and charged on a federal indictment with 12 counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Aiding and Abetting, and Drug User in Possession of a Firearm.
In a press release, the SCU described the investigation led by Detective Marty Corley and Corporal Ken Drake:
“In 2011, SCU received numerous drug activity complaints from the public regarding the possible narcotics movement involving Michigan City resident, Willie John Peterson. Over the next several years, SCU, with joint operation from the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), was able to infiltrate Peterson’s extensive narcotics operation, where multiple controlled narcotics purchases were conducted. These controlled narcotics purchases took place from the property of Budjet Cars during business hours, Peterson’s residence of 203 Village Rd., and throughout other various parts of Michigan City.
“On March 15, 2015, Peterson’s case was presented by DEA Special Agent Dave Ritchie to the U.S. District Court in South Bend, with the direction of Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Schaffer. There probable cause was established to issue a federal indictment warrant for the arrest of Peterson, consisting of 12 counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Aiding and Abetting, and Drug User in Possession of a Firearm.
“(March 26) at approximately 1:50 p.m., members of SCU and the Fugitive Apprehension Street Team (FAST) conducted surveillance where Peterson was observed driving a vehicle belonging to Budjet Cars in the 6000 block of East Michigan Blvd. A traffic stop ensued and Peterson was taken immediately into custody without incident. $4,969 was also seized. Peterson was transported to South Bend, where he will be held at the Saint Joseph County Jail until his initial hearing March 27 in the U.S. courthouse in South Bend.
“Cpl. Drake stated that from the amount of information provided by the public over the past 10 years, Peterson was suspected as a major player in the narcotics movement in Michigan City. With this arrest, this investigation is still not complete with further work pending and future arrests to come.
“Chief Swistek believes this arrest alone will have a large impact in making Michigan City a much safer place to live.”
Call the Crime Tip Hotline at 219-873-1488 if you have suspicion of drug activity in the Michigan City area.