DATE: 08-31-2026
SUBJECT: Domestic Violence Investigation Leads to Drug Arrests
RELEASE NUMBER: 2026-NR-0831
CONTACT: Lt. Matt Schnell
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
On August 30, 2026, deputies were dispatched to the 800 block of Alyssum Drive in reference to a report of a domestic violence incident. Neighbors reported that a juvenile came to their residence and requested that they call 911 due to a fight between his mother and stepfather.
Upon their arrival, deputies spoke with Taquoyia Lynn Abell and four juveniles ranging in age from 3 to 17. Deputies determined that Taquoyia and her husband, Rex Thomas Abell III, had been involved in a verbal argument. During the course of the argument, Taquoyia’s 16-year-old son attempted to intervene and was reportedly struck in the face by Rex. The juvenile had signs of injury to his face. Rex had left the scene prior to the deputies’ arrival with a 1-year-old juvenile.
While speaking with Taquoyia, deputies observed what they believed to be a large plastic bag containing synthetic cannabinoids on the kitchen counter. Deputies also detected the odor of marijuana inside the residence. Detectives with the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force responded to the scene. A judicially signed search warrant for the residence was obtained.
Approximately 700 grams, or more than 1.5 pounds, of suspected synthetic cannabinoids were found inside the residence. Detectives also located more than 80 grams of suspected marijuana, digital scales, and several rounds of 9mm ammunition. Much of the synthetic cannabinoids were located within reach of the juveniles who lived at the residence.
Taquoyia denied any knowledge of illegal substances inside the residence, despite many of the items being found in plain view and in the bedroom she shared with Rex. Taquoyia was taken into custody and charged with Dealing in a Schedule I, II, III, or IV Controlled Substance, a Level 2 felony; Neglect of a Dependent, a Level 6 felony; and Maintaining a Common Nuisance, a Level 6 felony. The Department of Child Services was contacted and took custody of the juveniles at the scene.
With the assistance of the Flock Safety ALPR system, Rex was later located in a hotel parking lot in eastern Vanderburgh County and taken into custody. The 1-year-old juvenile who had left the residence with Rex was located with him. Detectives located 2.3 grams of suspected synthetic cannabinoids, 0.3 grams of suspected fentanyl, and 0.6 grams of suspected synthetic cannabinoid chemical in Rex’s possession.
Rex was charged with Dealing in a Schedule I, II, III, or IV Controlled Substance, a Level 2 felony; Neglect of a Dependent, a Level 6 felony; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, a Level 6 felony; Domestic Battery, a Level 6 felony; and Possession of a Narcotic Drug, a Level 6 felony. The Department of Child Services responded and took custody of the juvenile.
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force is comprised of detectives from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office and the Evansville Police Department.
SUSPECT:
Rex Thomas Abell III, 39 years old, Evansville, IN
CHARGES:
- Dealing in a Schedule I, II, III, or IV Controlled Substance — Level 2 Felony
- Domestic Battery — Level 6 Felony
- Maintaining a Common Nuisance — Level 6 Felony
- Neglect of a Dependent — Level 6 Felony
- Possession of a Narcotic Drug — Level 6 Felony
SUSPECT:
Taquoyia Lynn Abell, 42 years old, Evansville, IN
CHARGES:
- Dealing in a Schedule I, II, III, or IV Controlled Substance — Level 2 Felony
- Maintaining a Common Nuisance — Level 6 Felony
- Neglect of a Dependent — Level 6 Felony
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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