Task force raid leads to meth-dealing charge against Richmond man

RICHMOND, Ind. — A raid conducted by the Wayne County Drug Task Force resulted in a dealing-in-meth charge against a Richmond man.

The raid — involving the Wayne County Sheriff's' Department, Richmond Police Department, Indiana State Police and the Henry County Area Drug Task Force — was conducted April 30 at the home of David W. Lawman, 50, in the 200 block of South 14th Street.

Lawman was taken into custody at his home as officers arrived to serve a search warrant.

According to an affidavit, items seized from the property included plastic bags containing a total of more than 50 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia., a .22-caliber rifle that had been reported stolen and two sets of digital scales. Marijuana and a small amount of cocaine were also found in the home, the court document said.

Lawman reportedly told investigators he was a "methamphetamine user and an addict," and indicated he intended to sell meth "to take care of his ill mother."

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The dealing count against Lawman is a Level 2 felony carrying up to 30 years in prison. He was also charged with possession of meth, a Level 4 felony with a maximum 12-year sentence.

Lawman was released from the Wayne County Jail after posting a $27,500 bond.

According to court records, the Richmond man has been convicted of crimes including possession of a narcotic drug, maintaining a common nuisance, intimidation and driving while intoxicated.

Three Richmond women arrested at the South 14th Street house the day of the raid — Trudy Grimes, 25; Christina Parks, 38, and Sierra Riddle, 38 — on Monday each pleaded guilty to visiting a common nuisance, a misdemeanor in Wayne Circuit Court 3.

Douglas Walker is a news reporter for The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Task force raid leads to Richmond man's arrest for dealing meth