MARION – Three people are facing multiple charges following a months-long investigation by Marion Police into the distribution of meth, fentanyl and cocaine.
The police department’s Narcotics Unit made several arrests and executed a search warrant with help from their Emergency Response Team in a tactical manner in the 100 block of East Finucane Street.
Detectives identified a distribution network operating within the city and determined that several individuals were conspiring with the primary target of the investigation, Ricky L. Ryder, to procure and sell illicit substances.
Police conducted a traffic stop Monday near the intersection of North Glendale and East Finucane streets. They charged 50-year-old Laura J. Hardesty with Possession of 100 to 400 grams of Meth with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Fentanyl and Possession of a Controlled Substance. Fifty-four-year-old Jeannette L. Hall was charged with Possession of 100 to 400 grams of Meth with Intent to Deliver.
A search warrant was carried out at Ryder’s home Wednesday. Ryder was charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, and Unlawful Possession of Firearm Ammunition.
During the execution of the search warrant, detectives recovered:
- A firearm and ammunition.
- A significant amount of United States Currency (USC).
- Assorted narcotics and drug paraphernalia.
This investigation remains active, and authorities anticipate additional charges will be filed against the aforementioned individuals and other co-conspirators.
