On Friday February 16th, 2018 at approximately 4:30 pm, The LaPorte County Drug Task Force, and The Michigan City SWAT Team executed a search warrant at 410 York Street. The La Porte County Drug Task Force began an investigation, after citizen complaints, and after investigators conducted surveillance, and observed a high amount of foot traffic at this residence.
Lt. Tim Richardson, and Detective Kyle Shiparski, lead detectives in this investigation, presented evidence to La Porte County Superior Court #1, where probable cause was found to arrest Raphael D. PERRY (42) of Gary, Indiana for Dealing in Cocaine a Level 3 Felony. PERRY was located within the house at the time of the search warrant. PERRY was also found to be wanted by The Lake County, Indiana Sheriff’s Department for narcotics related charges. The La Porte County Drug Task Force also located crack cocaine, US Currency, and other narcotics related items during the execution of the search warrant.
Lt. Richardson stated, “This is another great example of the partnership that The LCDTF has with area drug task force’s. Mr. PERRY apparently thought that he could remain on the run from Lake County Law Enforcement and set up an illegal drug sales operations in Michigan City. With the assistance of the Gary Police Department Narcotics Unit, LCDTF detectives quickly identified Perry and learned that he was wanted on outstanding drug charges. The combined effort quickly thwarted the illegal drug operation, which was operating approximately two blocks from the A.K. Smith Vocational School.”
The La Porte County Drug Task Force was assisted in this investigation by; The La Porte County Prosecutors Office, La Porte County Superior Court #1, The Michigan City SWAT Team, and The Gary Police Department Narcotics Division.
Raphael PERRY is being held in The La Porte County Jail on a $25,000 cash bond, on his local charges, and held with a hold for The Lake County Sheriff’s Department. PERRY is expected to appear in court again on Thursday March 6th, 2018 at 8:30 am. All arrested parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.