MONROE COUNTY, Ind. — Three individuals were arrested in Monroe County after drugs were found as a result of an investigation into a stolen tractor and stolen power tools in late December 2024.
On Dec. 29, 2024, deputies with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to the 7000 block of West Matthews Road in reference to a burglary, according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.
The complainant told deputies that several tools, along with two vehicles, were missing. One of the missing vehicles was reported as a Case Farmall tractor.
On Dec. 31, 2024, a detective with the Indiana State Police contacted the deputies, stating that they believed they had located the stolen tractor, the release said. The tractor was reportedly visible from the roadway at a property in the 5000 block of South Cardwell Road.
As officials were conducting surveillance on the home where the tractor was located, two vehicles were seen leaving. After traffic stops were made on the two vehicles, methamphetamine and illegal substances were reportedly located in both vehicles.
A search warrant was then issued for the property. The release said that both stolen vehicles and most of the power tools were located. An unrelated stolen vehicle out of Marion County was also reportedly located and recovered.
The following three individuals were arrested after the search of the home and the traffic stops:
- Tiffany Steele, 35, from Mooresville
- One count of possession of methamphetamine with enhancing circumstances, a Level 5 felony
- One count of possession of a legend drug, a Level 6 felony
- Troy McCormick, 52, from Bloomington
- One count of theft > $50,000, a Level 5 felony
- Michael Ratliff, 44, from Martinsville
- One count of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 3 felony
- Two counts of possession of a narcotic drug, each a Level 6 felony
- One count of unlawful possession of a hypodermic syringe, a Level 6 felony
