(BRANCH COUNTY) - Branch County sheriff's deputies are seeking felony charges against a 53-year-old Branch County man following a narcotics investigation that led to the seizure of suspected methamphetamine and multiple firearms.
Sheriff Fred Blankenship said deputies began investigating the man in January after receiving information linking him to the distribution of methamphetamine. As part of that investigation, deputies conducted a traffic stop during nighttime hours on February 7, 2026.
During the stop, deputies located packages of suspected methamphetamine inside the vehicle.
Following the traffic stop, deputies continued the investigation and executed a search warrant at a residence in the 300 block of Perkins Street. Authorities said additional suspected narcotics, evidence consistent with drug sales, and several firearms were found during the search.
Felony charges are being sought pending review by the Branch County Prosecutor's Office.
The Branch County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Coldwater Police Department, the Coldwater Police Department K-9 Unit, and Branch County Central Dispatch.
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.