Clay County Sheriff Mike Heaton (left) and Deputy James Switzer bring a suspect into custody at the Clay County Justice Center Tuesday morning. More than 60 officers from county, state and federal agencies assembled for a sweep of almost 40 arrest warrants. Ivy Jackson Photo.

Members of the Clay County Sheriff's Department were joined by officials from the United States Marshals Office, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Indiana State Police are currently scouring the area in hope of arresting suspects wanted on various drug-related arrest warrants.

Authorities confirmed that 39 warrants have been issued by the Clay County Prosecutor's Office, however, due to the ongoing investigation, more arrests may be made.

More than 60 officers from county, state and federal agencies assembled around 4:30 a.m., Tuesday morning, to organize for the warrant sweep of a number of residences in Clay, Parke, Owen, Hendricks and Monroe counties.

The warrants are for various drug-related charges that range from A felonies to B misdemeanors.

The possible sentences for a conviction in that range are as follows:

* A Felony: 20 - 50 years,

* B Felony: 6 - 20 years,

* C Felony: 2 - 8 years,

* D Felony: 6 months - 3 years,

* A Misdemeanor: 0 - 1 year, and

* B Misdemeanor: 0 - 180 days.

The task force consisted of officers from the CCSD, Clay City Police Department, Brazil City Police Department, Clay Community Corrections, Clay County Probation Department, Indiana State Police (Terre Haute and Bloomington posts), Putnam County Sheriff's Department, Parke County Sheriff's Department, the Department of Natural Resources, DEA and the U.S. Marshals Office.

The Department of Family and Child Services were on standby for situations where children are involved and Clay County Prosecutor Lee Reberger and Deputy Prosecutor Kim Jackson were also in the field to assist in serving warrants.

Jail transport vehicles were being used to pick up those who have been arrested.

Suspects, many awakened from their sleep, were taken into custody during the warrant sweep and were brought to the Clay County Justice Center for booking and are awaiting formal arraignment per the court schedule.

The Brazil Times will update this story as details become available.