COLUMBUS, Ind. - On September 8, 2025, Daniel S. Houchens was charged with Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 4 felony).
He was arrested during Operation Cold Front, which was a closely coordinated operation between the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), Bartholomew County Sheriff - Sheriff Chris Lane, Columbus Police Department, and Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.
Operation Cold Front also resulted in the arrest of eight other individuals for dealing drugs and narcotic-related offenses.
On December 15, 2025, Houchens entered a guilty plea to Dealing in Meth (Level 4 felony). Following a hearing on March 11, Judge James Worton of the Bartholomew Superior Court 1 sentenced Houchens to nine years to be served in the Indiana Department of Correction.
The sentencing range for a Level 4 felony is from two to 12 years, with an advisory sentence of six years.
JNET busts 4 on drug charges
City breaks ground on new Columbus Animal Care Services facility
Columbus City Utilities project will close parts of 18th, Elm Streets next month
I-265 school bus accident sends 2 juveniles to hospital
Jennings County deputy arrests motorcyclist traveling 118 mph