19 Arrested In Federal Meth Case
By: Katie Shane
Updated: April 15, 2010
A major federal drug bust in terre haute lands 19 people in jail.
Authorities say the entire operation was led by a man in prison.
Wesley Hammond is accused of running a Terre Haute drug ring from behind bars using a hidden cell phone.
"If there is one place that you should not be able to run a drug trafficking operation in the United States is within a prison," said Assistant US Attorney Brad Blackington.
Tell that to Wesley Hammond.
For more than six months the 39 year old has run a Terre Haute drug ring, from a prison cell in New Castle Indiana.
"To me this is absolutely appalling," Blackington said.
Blackington tells WTWO Hammond used a cell phone to communicate with his girlfriend, 28 year old Jennifer Poltrack.
Police are still questioning how he did that.
"One question is how did he get the cell phone," Blackington said. "Another question is how did he get it charged, how was he able to continue to use the cell phone."
From prison Hammond instructed Poltrack to deal 10 to 20 pounds of meth a month to 17 people working for him.
All 19 defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine
Another Terre Haute drug ring was disbanded in December 2008.
Police say after they arrested Robyn Welker and 19 others, Hammond saw an opportunity.
"Members of the organization got together and spoke and said there is an open market, let's fill it," Blackington said.
A total of 19 have been arrested, but Blackington says the case is far from over.
"The investigation is ongoing but it's a pretty safe bet that more will be arrested," Blackington said.
All 19 are being held in a federal prison in Henderson Kentucky.
They will be transported back to Vigo County on Monday for an initial court appearance.
