Two-year investigation leads to drug charges against two people in Terre Haute

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Police seized about 1.8 pounds of methamphetamine, more than $14,000 in cash and 6.6 grams of cocaine as part of a two-year investigation that resulted in two drug-trafficking arrests in Terre Haute.

This is according to court documents filed in the Vigo District Court in connection with the arrest of Maurice K. Whitesides and Isis E. Britton in April.

According to jail records, Whitesides remains in custody while Britton was released on bail.

The two were arrested following a traffic stop on April 12 on Wabash Avenue after Whitesides allegedly committed several traffic violations. Britton was reportedly sitting in the passenger seat. During the stop, police smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and noticed a plastic bag on the center console with a large amount of cash inside.

Whitesides allegedly told police he planned to use the money to drive to Indianapolis to buy a car. However, according to the affidavit, police believe he intended to buy 10 pounds of methamphetamine from a source in Indy.

The documents show that police searched two apartments in connection with the case and seized the following:

• $14,226 in cash
• 821 grams of methamphetamine
• 6.6 grams of cocaine
• One gram of suspected marijuana
• Multiple digital scales
• Three handguns and ammunition

Some of the drugs were found in an apartment where Britton was staying, while the rest were found in an apartment connected to Whitesides.

The public prosecutor has made the following accusations against the couple:

• Isis E. Britton24, from Terre Haute
  • Trafficking in methamphetamine (quantity over 10 grams)
  • Cocaine trafficking (presence of a minor)
  • Possession of methamphetamine (amount over 28 grams)
  • Possession of cocaine
  • Neglect of a dependent person
• Maurice K. Whitesides32, from Terre Haute
  • Trafficking in methamphetamine (quantity over 10 grams)
  • Possession of methamphetamine (amount over 28 grams)
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent criminal

The Vigo County Jail is holding Whitesides on $75,000 bail, with 10% and professional bond not allowed. Court records show Whitesides requested a bail reduction hearing on May 6. As of the time of this article’s publication, a date for the bail reduction hearing had not been set. Whitesides is due in court for a preliminary hearing on August 15, with a court hearing scheduled for October 15.

Britton appeared in court Thursday and court records show a plea agreement was filed Tuesday. A second hearing in her case is scheduled for June 27 at 10 a.m.