Crime Stoppers tip leads to three arrests

Matthew Dean, 33, of North Liberty, Derrick Little, 38, of Knox, and Sharlotte Preston, 34, of Plymouth, preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic drug, visiting a common nuisance, possession of marijuana and possession of paraphernalia.

On Tuesday at approximately 5:32 p.m. (CST), deputies with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office investigated a Crime Stoppers tip at a residence in the 11100 East Block of Division Road.

It was reported that Matthew Dean, 33, of North Liberty, was at a residence in this area and had active warrants through St. Joseph County. Deputies were granted entry to the residence by an occupant of the residence. 

Deputies saw suspected methamphetamine in plain view, located Dean and took him into custody. A search warrant was applied for and obtained. A search of the residence was conducted for illegal narcotics. Suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana and other paraphernalia were located. 

Dean, Derrick Little, 38, of Knox, and Sharlotte Preston, 34, of Plymouth, were taken into custody and transported to the Starke County Justice Center. 

They each were preliminarily charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a narcotic drug, both Level 6 felonies, visiting a common nuisance, possession of marijuana, both Class B misdemeanors, and possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.