Evansville, IN – An investigation into suspected cocaine dealing led to the arrest of a 34-year-old Evansville man after detectives recovered nearly four pounds of cocaine and almost $10,000 while serving search warrants at three residences.
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force, with assistance from the DEA Evansville Resident Office, began investigating Luther K. Lawton Jr. in August over allegations that he was dealing cocaine.
On Sept. 17, detectives arrested Lawton and served search warrants at three residences associated with him as part of the investigation.
According to the Evansville Police Department, detectives recovered almost four pounds of cocaine during the searches. Investigators estimated the cocaine had a street value of approximately $170,000.
Nearly $10,000 in cash was also seized during the investigation.
Lawton is preliminarily charged with four counts of dealing cocaine. The charges remain allegations unless and until proven in court.
Several agencies and units assisted with the investigation, including the Evansville Police Department Street Crimes Unit, Crime Prevention Office, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The investigation was conducted by the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force with assistance from the DEA Evansville Resident Office.
Police did not provide additional details about the three residences searched or what led investigators to Lawton beyond the months-long investigation into suspected cocaine dealing.
