Staff Report

PIERCETON — Three people from Pierceton were recently arrested after the execution of a search warrant resulted in the discovery of drugs.

John Mitchell Dimmitt, 42, 8991 E. 350N, Pierceton, is charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, a level 4 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a level 5 felony; maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony; possession of marijuana, a class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor.

Shelby Ann Shepherd, 50; and Sonya Louise Connolly, 56, both of 8991 E. 350N, Pierceton, are each charged with possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance, both level 6 felonies.

On April 24, a Warsaw Police officer obtained a search warrant for Dimmitt’s home, and officers searched the residence that same day. Dimmitt, Connolly, and Shepherd were at the home when officers arrived.

According to court documents, upon searching the home, officers found several firearms, drug paraphernalia, meth, and marijuana.

Connolly said she had been living at the home for about two weeks and admitted meth use occurred inside the residence while she was present.

Dimmitt told law enforcement all the firearms and marijuana inside the home belonged to him. He also said he traded three guns in exchange for cash and drugs.

Shepherd has prior drug possession convictions in Kosciusko and Noble Counties. She also has an active criminal case for drug possession in Kosciusko County.

Connolly has prior drug possession convictions in Elkhart and Whitley Counties.

Dimmitt was previously convicted of child molesting in Marshall County. This conviction qualifies Dimmitt as a serious violent felon. He also has a prior conviction for unlawfully possessing a syringe in Kosciusko County.

Dimmitt has an active criminal case for failing to register as a sex offender in Kosciusko County.

Dimmitt and Shepherd were both booked in the Kosciusko County Jail on April 24.

Connolly has already been arrested and released on her own recognizance.