FREMONT - A Fremont man was arrested early Monday, September 11 after a large quantity of methamphetamine was recovered from two of his properties.

Just before 5:30 am, Steuben County Sheriff's detectives with the assistance of the Steuben County Sheriff's Special Response Tactical Team conducted a search of a residence located in the 200 block of Snow Lake Lane 840 in rural Jamestown Township.

When deputies made entry into the residence and adjacent structures, two adults and one juvenile were located.

A subsequent search of the property yielded a large quantity of suspected Methamphetamine, several pieces of suspected drug paraphernalia, and over $70,000.00 in cash.

There was also some stolen items located on the property.

The second search warrant was executed just before 6:30 am on a commercial building located in the 500 block of East Depot St in the town of Fremont.

That search yielded more suspected Methamphetamine, more suspected drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

Taken into custody was the owner of both the Snow Lake and Depot St properties, identified as James Edward Amstutz, 50, of rural Fremont.
Amstutz was arrested without incident and booked into the Steuben County Jail on the following initial charges.

2 counts of level 2 felony Dealing Methamphetamine 2 count of level 4 felony Dealing Methamphetamine 2 counts of class C misdemeanor Possession of Paraphernalia

Amstutz remains held in lieu of a $60,500.00 bond.

The search warrants follow a several week long Sheriff's Office drug investigation.

That investigation is continuing and additional suspects and criminal charges may be sought. Assisting the Sheriff's Office at the scene were the Angola Police, Auburn Police Emergency Response Tactical Team, the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office, and the Fremont Town Marshal's Office.