HANCOCK COUNTY — George West, the man whose violent attempts to flee a November traffic stop injured three sheriff’s deputies, is now facing federal drug trafficking charges that could send him to prison for 40 years.
West, who had been in the Hancock County Jail since his arrest Nov. 27, was transferred into federal custody last week.
The new charges stem from an investigation by the Pro-Active Criminal Enforcement Team, which includes the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department, along with agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
According to court documents, when West was arrested, he told law enforcement officials he had 500 grams of heroin in his apartment in Indianapolis.
Police obtained a search warrant and found the evidence at his residence in the 2700 block of East 86th Street on the same day. They seized a pound of heroin, a half-pound of methamphetamine, four firearms and over $30,000 in cash. Police also confiscated a drug press and cutting agents, Hancock County sheriff’s Deputy Nick Ernstes said.
West made an initial appearance Jan. 28, in U.S. District Court in Indianapolis. He is facing charges of possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin. The sentence for that charge is up to 40 years in prison and a fine up to $5 million.
After his original arrest in November, West posted a $50,000 cash bond, an unusually high amount for a defendant to come up with, but he remained in custody because of pending charges in California.
West, 34, was arrested after a traffic stop at the eastbound rest stop on Interstate 70 in Hancock County. West attempted to get away from officers and a police dog and ended up fighting with the officers.
One deputy suffered a dislocated shoulder and another suffered bumps, bruises and respiratory distress from the violent scuffle inside the vehicle, which lasted six minutes. A third deputy suffered an injury to his hand when it was struck by a taser probe.
Police found more than three pounds of methamphetamine in West’s vehicle.
Locally, West faces six felony counts. The most serious of those charges carries a sentence of 30 years. His trial on the state charges is scheduled for Aug. 27.
