Arthur Boyd, left, and Tandkika Jackson

Lake County Drug Task Force raids 3 homes in Gary

Contributed By: The 411 News

A Lake County Sheriff’s Department Drug Task Force investigation into a suspected drug and prostitution ring led to the execution of search warrants at three Gary houses and the arrests of five men and 7 women. The one-year-old child of one of the women arrested was taken into custody by the Indiana Department of Child Services.

The raid took place Monday morning, May 23rd, said Lake County Sheriff Oscar Martinez, Jr.

Two of the men arrested are believed to have a leadership role in the drug and prostitution organization:

Arthur Boyd, 55, faces charges including Dealing in a Narcotic Drug with Enhancement (Level 3 felony), Dealing in a Narcotic Drug and Resisting Law Enforcement in a Vehicle.

Tandika Jackson, 49, faces charges including Possession of Cocaine, Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Possession of Marijuana/Paraphernalia.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team executed search warrants at three homes.

At 1026 Rutledge St., the search revealed Fentanyl - 14 grams, ketamine - 2 grams, MDMA - 1 gram, and 2 firearms.

At 1047 Rutledge St., 8 grams of cocaine were found.

At 2013 Ohio St., 4 grams of cocaine and 2 grams of marijuana were found.

No suspects were located at 1026 Rutledge St.

At 1047 Rutledge St., three people were arrested, including a 33-year-old pregnant woman who also had a 1-year-old at the residence. The child is taken into DCS custody. The mother was taken to an area hospital for treatment of medical issues related to her pregnancy. She faces charges including Possession of Cocaine with Enhancement (Level 4 felony).

Lake County Animal Control also responded to the address and seized two dogs now being cared for at the animal shelter.

At 2013 Ohio St., 8 people were arrested and face various charges from Visiting a Common Nuisance to Possession of Cocaine.

The male suspects are said to be from Gary. The females have last known addresses in Gary, Lake Station, Valparaiso, Porter and Hammond.

The sweep is the result of several months of investigation and intelligence-gathering efforts by the Lake County Sheriff’s Department Drug Task Force.

“The investigation continues and no further details will be released at this time,” Sheriff Martinez said. “I am extremely proud of all of the officers involved in making these arrests today. It’s just one example of the unwavering commitment of the Lake County Sheriff’s Department to make neighborhoods safer in Gary and across Lake County.”

Story Posted:05/24/2023