***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 08, 2017

ELKHART COUNTY JURY CONVICTS FOURTH CO-DEFENDANT FROM NOVEMBER 2, 2016 DRUG RAIDS IN ONE HOUR

Media Contact: Vicki Elaine Becker (574) 296-1888

On Monday, June 5, 2017, the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office began a joint trial against co-defendants Enedeo Rodriguez, Jr. and Alejandro Nava Rodriguez for charges of multiple felony counts of Dealing in Methamphetamine as well as Indiana’s racketeering crime, namely Corrupt Business Influence. Immediately after a jury was seated, Alejandro Nava Rodriguez decided to plead guilty to all six counts lodged against him and is now set to be sentenced on July 13, 2017. Enedeo Rodriguez, Jr. proceeded to trial and was convicted approximately one hour after the jury began deliberations.

Specifically, Enedeo Rodriguez Jr., was charged with, and convicted of, Dealing Methamphetamine, a Level 2 Felony, and Corrupt Business Influence, a Level 5 Felony. Enedeo Rodriguez, Jr. is the fourth co-defendant to be convicted of Dealing Methamphetamine and Corrupt Business Influence in Elkhart County from the November 2016 raids.

This case was the result of a multiagency investigation lead by the Elkhart County Intelligence and Covert Enforcement (ICE) Unit. The investigation lasted approximately one (1) year and concluded with the simultaneous execution of over ten search warrants on November 2, 2016. The investigation also lead to felony arrests of more than twenty (20) individuals for various drug related crimes.

The evidence presented at trial consisted of multiple phone calls between Enedeo Rodriguez, Jr. and one of his co-conspirators discussing drug transactions, which were intercepted on a federal wiretap; helicopter surveillance video taken during an undercover drug buy in October of 2016; skilled witness testimony; and, more than a half pound of methamphetamine seized from Enedeo Rodriguez, Jr.’s home south of New Paris, Indiana.

This verdict is another hit to those dealing illegal substances in Elkhart County and the organizational structures that support them. It is also a reminder to those who choose to deal drugs, that Elkhart County law enforcement will partner with State and Federal agencies and will use all resources available to hold accountable those who seek to spread poison throughout our community.

Rodriguez, Jr. is scheduled to be sentenced June 29, 2017, at 8:30 a.m. by Judge Michael Christofeno in the Elkhart Circuit Court. Rodriguez, Jr. faces a total possible sentence of thirty-six (36) years at the Indiana Department of Correction.

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“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”