Clay County Justice Center (DLC Medis file photo)

POLAND – On June 3 at approximately 11:13 p.m., a Clay County Sheriff’s Deputy was on patrol along Indiana 42 near Poland, Indiana.

The Deputy stopped a red Chevrolet pickup truck because he suspected the driver was impaired.  During the traffic stop, indicators of driver impairment as well as other criminal behavior were observed. A subsequent investigation yielded approximately one-quarter pound of suspected
methamphetamine along with several items of paraphernalia.
The driver was identified as 54-year-old Thomas R. Averill of Center Point, Indiana. The passenger was 51-ycar-old Billy J. Phillips of Brazil, Indiana. Both men were arrested and transported to the
Clay County Jail.
Averill was booked into the Clay County Jail and charged with:
Dealing Methamphetamine over 10 grams, a level 2 felony;
Possession of Methamphetamine in an amount over 28 grams, a level 3 felony;
Possession of paraphernalia, a level 6 felony; Maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony; and
Operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a class C misdemeanor.
Phillips was booked into the Clay County Jail and charged with: Possession of Methamphetamine, a level 6 felony; and
Possession of Paraphernalia, a level 6 felony.
**All individuals who have been named in this matter are presumed innocent until proven guilty.