(ANGOLA) - An Angola-area man is behind bars after being arrested this week following a nearly yearlong drug investigation by the Steuben County Sheriff's Office. Lantz Brown, 45, was taken into custody Wednesday morning, January 7, just before 10:30 a.m., at a residence in the 1700 block of West CR 120 North in rural Pleasant Township. Deputies arrested Brown without incident.
Brown was wanted on an active Steuben County arrest warrant charging him with two counts of Level 2 felony dealing methamphetamine. Investigators say the warrant stemmed from a controlled drug-buy investigation that spanned nearly a year.
The arrest was carried out by the Sheriff's Office Special Response Tactical Team, with assistance from the Auburn Police Emergency Response Tactical Team.
During the execution of the arrest warrant, investigators developed additional probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the residence.
Authorities also reported suspected methamphetamine was found on Brown at the time of his arrest. A subsequent search of the home led to the discovery of a firearm believed to have a damaged or obliterated serial number.
Brown was booked into the Steuben County Jail on multiple preliminary charges, including two counts of dealing methamphetamine, two counts of possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon, and obstruction of justice.
He remains held on a $118,000 bond.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing and additional charges may be filed. Star Transportation also assisted authorities at the scene.