On February 17, 2025, Detectives with the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force initiated an investigation into complaints of narcotics being sold at a residence on Olive Street in Vanderburgh County.
During the investigation, Detectives observed a vehicle leaving the residence and committing a traffic infraction. The vehicle was occupied by Maeling Pearl Smith and Dugniqio Dishay Forest. Detectives conducted a traffic stop in the area of Powell Avenue and South Grand Avenue. While speaking with Forest, Detectives observed a plastic bag containing suspected methamphetamine protruding from his jacket pocket. Forest was taken into custody, and a search of his person revealed approximately 132 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 20 grams of suspected cocaine, and 4 grams of suspected ecstasy pills. A federal complaint was filed against Forest for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, and he was transported to the Henderson, Kentucky, Detention Center. Smith was arrested on charges of Dealing in Methamphetamine and Dealing in Cocaine, both Level 2 felonies, and transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail.
Shortly after this traffic stop, Detectives observed Teshawn Terrell Baker arrive at the Olive Street residence in a vehicle. Baker remained at the location for a short time before leaving with a black bag. Detectives then observed Baker commit a traffic infraction and conducted a traffic stop in the area of Lincoln Avenue and South Rotherwood Avenue. During the stop, a Sheriff’s Office K9 alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. Baker became uncooperative, attempted to flee the scene, and had to be physically restrained. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of over six pounds of suspected methamphetamine. A federal complaint was filed against Baker for Distribution of Methamphetamine, and he was transported to the Henderson, Kentucky, Detention Center.
Following these arrests, Detectives obtained a judicially signed search warrant for the Olive Street residence. Prior to executing the warrant, the homeowner, Derrick Lamor Lowe, was stopped as he was leaving and detained. A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of four handguns, two of which had been discarded in a trash bag, two rifles, over 300 grams of suspected marijuana, seven grams of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 87 grams of suspected cocaine, and 71 grams of suspected ecstasy pills. Lowe was arrested and transported to the Vanderburgh County Jail. He faces charges of Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Level 2 Felony; Dealing in Cocaine, a Level 2 Felony; Dealing in a Schedule I Controlled Substance, a Level 2 Felony; and Dealing in Marijuana, a Level 6 Felony.
The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Drug Task Force is comprised of Detectives from the Evansville Police Department and the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. The Task Force also includes Detectives assigned as Task Force Officers with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), all of whom assisted in this investigation.
Suspects and Charges:
Maeling Pearl Smith
21 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges: Dealing in Methamphetamine (L2), Dealing in Cocaine (L2)
Dugniqio Dishay Forest
29 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges: Federal Complaint – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
Teshawn Terrell Baker
23 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges: Federal Complaint – Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
Derrick Lamor Lowe
29 years old, Evansville, IN
Charges: Dealing in Methamphetamine (L2), Dealing in Cocaine (L2), Dealing in a Schedule I Controlled Substance (L2), Dealing in Marijuana (L6)
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.