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Man & woman, admitted “addicts” charged, accused of manufacturing, delivering heroin
Man & woman, admitted "addicts" charged, accused of manufacturing, delivering heroin
RACINE COUNTY -- A man and woman from Racine have been criminally charged, accused of manufacturing and delivering heroin, after a search warrant was executed at their home, located just a block away from the Racine County Jail. The suspected dealer took off -- but he didn't go far. He was taken into custody with the help of a K-9 officer.
Thomas Brucker
24-year-old Thomas Brucker faces the following charges:
Stephanie Darge
31-year-old Stephanie Darge is charged with one count of maintaining a drug trafficking place as party to a crime.
According to the criminal complaint, officials with the Racine County Sheriff's Office's "Metro Drug Unit" were provided information by a confidential informant that an individual he knows as "TJ" was involved in street-level heroin sales.
On April 27th, a Metro Drug Unit agent conducted a controlled buy from TJ.
The audio/video recording from that controlled buy was viewed by officials, and "TJ" was identified as Brucker.
Officials learned that there had been numerous anonymous reports of drug dealing originating from the home where Brucker lived.
On the morning of Wednesday, May 4th, a search warrant was executed at the home on Wisconsin Avenue near 10th Street. Entry had to be made into the home, and the complaint indicates Brucker attempted to flee the home -- continuing to run after officers gave him commands to stop. He was caught by K-9 "Friday" and continued to resist officers' attempts to take him into custody.
The complaint indicates a baggie was recovered, containing 4.8 grams of heroin, that had apparently been dropped by Brucker as he was running away.
A search of the home revealed numerous packaging materials, cutting agents, drug paraphernalia and suboxone.
The complaint indicates Darge told investigators she lived with Brucker in the home, and that they are "both addicts." Darge said Brucker sells heroin "to support their habits and pay the bills."
Brucker and Darge made their initial court appearances in this case on Thursday, May 5th.
Cash bond was set at $15,000 for Brucker, and $7,500 for Darge.
They will be back in court on May 11th for their preliminary hearings.