Switzerland Co. man going to prison for dealing meth

(VEVAY, Ind.) – A Switzerland County man who was arrested on the same night he wore a hat with the words “Retired Drug Dealer” has been sentenced to prison. 

43-year-old Wayne Cochran has received a 20-year prison sentence after being convicted of dealing methamphetamine.

Cochran was arrested in October after a months-long drug investigation at an area known as the Ohio Valley Land Development in eastern Switzerland County. 

The investigation was conducted by the Indiana State Police and the Switzerland County Sheriff’s Department. 

Switzerland County Prosecutor Ryan Marshall said the investigation led police to a home and pole barn that belonged to Cochran. 

“Using covert surveillance, investigators observed a pattern of foot and vehicular traffic consistent with ongoing drug distribution. Police described the traffic in and out of the pole barn as similar to that at a “convenience store,”” Marshall said. 

When Cochran was arrested, police said they found approximately an ounce of crystal meth under the center console of his car. 

“Cochran admitted he had just returned from Lawrenceburg where he bought the drugs. Cochran also confessed to dealing methamphetamine to multiple people as well as knowledge of drug use in his pole barn,” Marshall said. 

Police then raided Cochran’s pole barn after allegedly seeing several people smoking methamphetamine in the presence of a baby.

Sentencing Hearing 

Prosecutor Ryan Marshall introduced new evidence during the sentencing hearing that showed surveillance images of Cochran on the night of his arrest. 

The surveillance images show that Cochran was wearing a hat which featured military-style campaign ribbons and emblazoned with the words: “Retired Drug Dealer.”

Switzerland County Judge Gregory Coy handed him a 20-year prison term, which was an enhanced sentence due to Cochran being a Habitual Offender for multiple prior felony convictions.

Marshall commended those involved in the investigation and the court case. 

“By working as a team, law enforcement from across our region did outstanding police work. Our Circuit Judge handed down a fair sentence. And as a result, we stopped a habitual felon from poisoning our community,” Marshall said.

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