11 arrested in Southern Winds Inn drug bust

Eleven people were arrested Wednesday morning by the Bloomington Police Department for various drug-related charges as a result of a three-month drug investigation focusing on the Southern Winds Inn Apartments, located at 3000 S. Walnut St.

Items seized during the searches included about 40-50 grams of cocaine, about 40 grams of heroin, a 9mm Ruger handgun and $5,100 in cash. BPD Cpt. Joe Qualters said the total street value of the seized drugs is nearly $20,000.

The drug operation was estimated to bring in about $5,000 to $10,000 per week.

At about 5:30 a.m., officers executed search warrants in four apartments in the complex, Qualters said in a press release.

Ten of the arrested suspects were nabbed at the scene, and another suspect was arrested several hours later near a motel in the 1700 block of North Walnut Street.

“We believe that these arrests will have a significant impact on the availability of crack cocaine and heroin in Bloomington, and I commend the investigators for their work on this case,” BPD Chief Michael Diekhoff said in the release.

“We continue to deal with those who come from other locations to set up drug dealing operations in our community, and it should be clear that we will identify you, target you and arrest you for your illegal activity.”

The investigation began when investigators became aware of an individual known only as “Frog,” who was reportedly involved in dealing heroin at the Southern Winds Inn. Frog was later identified as Larry D. Johnson of Michigan, Qualters said.

BPD drug investigators, detectives and uniform personnel were all involved in the operation. The Critical Incident Response Team was utilized because of the prevalence of weapons being carried by the individuals under surveillance.

One individual had been observed carrying three weapons as investigators conducted surveillance during the last few weeks, Qualters said.

Investigators indicated they observed lines form outside the apartments involved in dealing drugs. The complex, Qualters said, was frequented throughout most of the night by those seeking crack cocaine and heroin.

BPD investigators plan to discuss the possibility of federal charges with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms because of the quantity of drugs seized, as well as the use of firearms by those involved in the dealing activity, according to the release.

Those arrested for dealing charges have addresses of either Detroit or Battle Creek, Mich. One of the arrested suspects might have as many as 13 prior convictions, Qualters said.

The investigation is ongoing, and BPD expects to make additional arrests.

Arrested suspects
Nicole D. Berry Three counts of dealing cocaine, Class B felonies, and maintaining a common nuisance, a Class D felony

Dwayne J. Fredrick Possession of cocaine with intent to deal, a Class A felony, and possession of heroin with intent to deal, a Class A felony

Ray C. Fredricks Two counts of dealing cocaine, Class B felonies, possession of cocaine with intent to deal, a Class A felony, and possession of heroin with intent to deal, a Class A felony

William C. Holloway (aka “Bones”) Dealing heroin, a Class B felony

Larry D. Johnson (aka “Frog”) Two counts of dealing heroin, Class B felonies, possession of heroin with intent to deal, a Class A felony, possession of cocaine with intent to deal, a Class A felony, and serious violent felon in possession of a firearm, a Class B felony

Shannon D. Bell-Hadley, Tina D. Berry, Joseph A. Blythe, Brandy J. Deckard, Tracy L. Gifford and Cassandria M. Roy were each charged with visiting a common nuisance, a Class B misdemeanor

— Mark Keierleber