Three people in a car that pulled over and parked in a yard on the east side of Worthington were allegedly conducting a drug deal that was cut short when a WPD officer stopped to check on them.

The driver wasn’t arrested but two passengers were booked into jail by Worthington Deputy Marshal James T. Harrington late Thursday night, October 18.

Joe Wayne McKee, Jr., 34, of Terre Haute, was first held without bond pending a court appearance. In Greene Superior Court yesterday, Thursday, October 25, McKee was charged with dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 5 felony, and possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony. His bond was set at $25,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed.

Devin Joseph Waggoner, 32, of Worthington, was first held without bond pending a court appearance. In Greene Superior Court yesterday, Thursday, October 25, Waggoner was charged with possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony. His bond was set at $10,000 surety with ten percent cash allowed.

The driver of a green four-door Pontiac Bonneville was identified as Madison Brooke Delph. She was released after being questioned at the sheriff’s department.

WPD Officer Harrington went to check on the green Pontiac after an alert citizen reported a suspicious vehicle, with three unfamiliar people inside, was parked in the front yard of a vacant house on the northwest corner of West Street and Central Avenue on the east side of Worthington.

Delph told the officer the car had overheated, but the officer reported McKee appeared to be under the influence and was asked if he had ingested a substance such as methamphetamine. McKee first denied using or being in possession of meth, then handed over a black digital scale and a small black felt-type material bag with drawstrings.

Harrington said the scale had a white powdery residue and the bag contained the corner of a plastic baggie with a white crystal-like substance.

Harrington requested assistance from another officer and Greene County Sheriff’s Deputy Zachary Goad responded.

Harrington reported that he asked McKee to exit the vehicle, handcuffed him and read him his rights. Then when asked if he understood his rights and wished to speak, McKee allegedly said, “You already know what’s in the bag.”

Harrington noted that he didn’t know, but when Deputy Goad arrived, Goad field tested the contents and said it tested positive as methamphetamine.

In addition, Waggoner was found with a clear plastic baggie in a pocket that also contained a white powdery residue and Deputy Goad said it also tested positive as methamphetamine.

All three were transported to the sheriff’s department for interviews. There were similarities in their stories but also some differences.

According to Harrington, all three admitted they were conducting a prearranged drug deal set up by Delph. Harrington took pictures of text messages on Delph’s phone that were sent between Delph and Waggoner.

Delph allegedly said McKee was selling meth to get money pay their bills, and that McKee was going to trade Waggoner meth for Xanax and cash.

McKee allegedly said he didn’t know anything about the Xanax and cash and that he was being set up.

Waggoner allegedly said they met to conduct a prearranged drug deal but he didn’t intend to buy anything because he didn’t have the money and he only met them to see Delph. He also said the baggie found in his pocket was something he picked up off a sidewalk in Bloomfield. He said he didn’t know it contained meth residue and he’d been keeping his change in it.