Jury convicts man of dealing fentanyl in Cass Co

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A Kokomo man was convicted of dealing fentanyl in Cass County.

According to a press release given by Cass County Prosecutor Noah Schafer, Vashawn Rose, 24, of Kokomo, was convicted bya jury in the Cass Circuit Court of Dealing in a Narcotic Drug.

The jury heard evidence where in May and June of 2023 the defendant conspired with his sister, Jesse Rose, and Dreyton Cameron to deliver fentanyl pills.

On June 7, the trio also sold a quantity of fentanyl pills to an undercover officer with the Indiana State Police at a gas station in Galveston. Video recordings and text messages between the defendant and the undercover officer were presented as evidence of the exchange. 

Co-defendants Jesse Rose and Dreyton Cameron had each previously plead guilty to dealing fentanyl and agreed to testify against Rose, but neither were called as witnesses.

Documents and testimony established Rose had also prior, unrelated felony convictions for dealing marijuana and unlawful possession of a legend drug. Following Rose's conviction of dealing fentanyl, further evidence was presented, resulting in the jury finding Rose guilty of being an habitual offender.  

In closing, Deputy Prosecutor Lisa Kempf argued that this was a case about the defendant’s decisions and actions, urging the jury to focus on the evidence in its deliberations.

Rose had posted bond and failed to appear for the trail, leading to a warrant now being issued for the arrest of Rose. 

Rose is scheduled for sentencing on May 23, 2024 in the Cass Circuit Court.