MUNCIE, IN — Members of the Muncie-Delaware County Drug Task Force say their recent dealings with a local man resulted in the seizure of nearly 160 grams of fentanyl.
Aubrey William Baker Jr., 30, was most recently arrested on Friday, July 3. He continued to be held in the Delaware County Jail on Wednesday under a $56,000 bond, on suspicion of two counts of dealing in a narcotic drug, obstruction of justice and possession of marijuana.
According to an affidavit, task force members on April 23 were monitoring Baker’s return to the Muncie area from Trotwood, Ohio, a Dayton suburb frequently visited by local residents who traffic in drugs.
Baker was pulled over for speeding near the Memorial Drive interchange on the Muncie Bypass. Although a police K-9 indicated there were narcotics in his vehicle, investigators found only a small amount of marijuana at that time.
The Muncie man was arrested and was later released after posting bond at the jail.
The following day, a plastic bag containing 71.5 grams of fentanyl and 6.4 grams of marijuana was found under a seat in the police car in which Baker had been driven to the jail.
Officers tested for DNA on the plastic bag and received a search warrant for a sample of Baker’s DNA.
On June 4, he was again the target of a traffic stop near the Muncie Bypass as he allegedly once more returned from Trotwood.
A K-9 again indicated there were narcotics in his 2026 Kia Sportage. Court documents said Baker was then determined to be carrying a bag that contained 86.7 grams of fentanyl.
During an interview, Baker reportedly admitted he routinely drove to western Ohio to buy heroin and fentanyl, which he then sold in the Muncie area. He also allegedly acknowledged the bag of fentanyl and marijuana found after his April 22 arrest had belonged to him.
The Muncie man was not arrested that day, and the investigation continued, leading to his July 3 arrest.
Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman’s office will determine whether formal charges will be filed.
According to court records, Baker, a former Indianapolis resident, has been convicted of crimes including battery, carrying a handgun without a license (at least three times), possession of a narcotic drug, resisting law enforcement and synthetic identity deception.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie man arrested in fentanyl-dealing investigation
Reporting by Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press / Muncie Star Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Douglas Walker, Muncie Star Press | USA TODAY Network
