Argos man arrested on charges of dealing meth

An Argos man is facing felony charges after he allegedly sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant multiple times in Rochester. 

John A. Bean, 63, of Argos, was arrested this week on charges of dealing methamphetamine between 1 and 5 grams with enhancing circumstance, a Level 3 Felony; dealing in methamphetamine between 1 and 5 grams, a Level 4 Felony; dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 5 Felony; and two counts of possession of methamphetamine, both Level 6 Felonies. 

According to the probable cause affidavit, Bean's investigation first started in January 2026, after a confidential informant for the Fulton County Sheriff's Office stated they knew Bean as a contact where they could get meth.

On the afternoon of January 28, Indiana State Police and detectives with the Fulton County Sheriff's Office conducted a controlled buy for approximately one gram of methamphetamine from Bean utilizing $60 of currency provided by police. 

During the buy, the informant met with Bean in Rochester at the Runnings Parking lot in the Peace Tree Village Plaza and was equipped with audio and video recording during the sale to capture the transaction. Bean provided the informant with a crystal-like substance and stated he knew where to get more if the buyer needed it. 

The suspected drug was transported back to the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, where a field test was done and it was positively identified of methamphetamine, weighing .4 grams. 

The informant met with Bean a second time for a controlled buy for approximately 1 gram of meth on February 23, utilizing $40.00 of currency provided by police. Bean requested the informant meet them near the Woodlawn Hospital pond around 10:30 p.m. and provided the informant with 1.1 grams of a crystal-like substance that also tested positive for meth. 

On March 2, a third controlled buy was conducted on Bean utilizing $100.00 from drug task force funds. Bean instructed the informant to meet him the Rochester City Park around 2:45 p.m.. Police noted the meeting location to be 500 feet from Rochester High School and when children were expected to be present at both the school and park, resulting in an enhancement in charges for dealing methamphetamine.

Police stood watch at a nearby location while the sale was conducted between the informant and Bean. Police determined approximately 1 gram of crystal meth was exchanged at the park. 

A warrant was issued for Bean's arrest on August 31. Bean was taken into custody on Wednesday, September 16 and booked at the Fulton County Jail.