Sheriff arrests seven in narcotics investigation

Written on 04/17/2026

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Sheriff arrests seven in narcotics investigation

On April 9, 2026, at approximately 9:04 p.m., deputies with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office went to a hotel in the 3900 block of South Reed Road in Kokomo in an effort to locate a wanted subject, identified as Jacob Shiraef (age 31), who was wanted out of Howard Superior Court 1 for Nonsupport of a Dependent Child, a Level 6 Felony. Deputies arrived on scene and made contact at a hotel room on the second floor.

Upon approaching the room, deputies detected a strong odor consistent with burnt marijuana and suspected methamphetamine. The door to the room was partially open, and deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain view. After announcing their presence, deputies heard multiple occupants moving inside the room and what they believed to be the sound of a firearm being manipulated. Multiple occupants were then ordered out of the room and detained without incident.

Due to the presence of suspected narcotics and concern for a firearm inside the room, deputies conducted a protective sweep of the room and secured the scene while applying for a search warrant. A search warrant was later approved by the Honorable Judge Blake Dahl of the Howard County Superior Court II and executed.

During the search, deputies located multiple items of drug paraphernalia, including approximately 73 hypodermic needles, digital scales, and smoking devices. Deputies also recovered approximately $3,260 in U.S. currency and a 9 mm handgun that had been concealed inside a toilet. A baggie containing approximately 10.9 grams of a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine was located near the bathroom area. Additional suspected narcotics were recovered, including multiple capsules believed to contain fentanyl and more than 70 pills identified as gabapentin.

Investigators determined that Jacob Shiraef was a primary occupant of the room and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction. Evidence also indicated the location was being used for the use and distribution of illegal narcotics.

A total of seven individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center.

Booking charges include:

Jacob Shiraef (31)

  • Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun with Prior Conviction – Level 5 Felony
  • Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
  • Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
  • Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
  • Dealing Methamphetamine (Conspiracy) – Level 2 Felony

Johan Wyngaarde (41)

  • Dealing Methamphetamine (Conspiracy) – Level 2 Felony
  • Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
  • Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Kelseigh Whitaker (28)

  • Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
  • Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Justin Pavese (41)

  • Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
  • Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Niki Marine (36)

  • Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
  • Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Mark Turner (57)

  • Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
  • Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Ruth Bronson (30)

  • Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
  • Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
  • Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

During the booking process at the Howard County Jail, correctional staff discovered an additional concealed substance on one of the individuals that later tested positive for a narcotic.

The case remains active and under investigation by Deputy Austin Day #34-107. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact him directly at 765-614-3407, or by submitting a tip through the Sheriff’s Office mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.