Salem Police say an investigation that started with a call to Salem Township Hospital for a domestic battery led to the discovery of possibly the largest methamphetamine bust in the city’s history along with the recovery of multiple weapons and a large amount of cash.
32-year-old Michael Wessel of North Jackson Street in Salem has been arrested on Class X felony charges of armed violence, being an armed habitual criminal, and aggravated possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine along with aggravated domestic battery, aggravated unlawful restraint, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Police say the investigation began on Friday when they were called to Salem Township Hospital for a report of a woman who had been battered and held against her will at a residence in Salem. A full interview was conducted on Saturday with the victim, where Wessel was identified as a suspect and the location as a residence in the 1000 block of North Jackson in Salem.
The victim reported Wessel had battered and strangled her before forcing her to remain with him at his residence by threatening her with a pistol. He was located by officers near his residence where he was initially taken into custody for Aggravated Domestic Battery and Aggravated Unlawful Restraint.
Police say a loaded pistol was located inside Michael’s waistband along with approximately 15 grams of Methamphetamine, $3,770 in cash, and other narcotic items.
A search warrant was later issued on the home around eight Saturday night. As a result of the warrant, an additional 1,645 grams of suspected methamphetamine was seized as well as four handguns, a rifle, a large quantity of ammunition, scales and packaging items commonly used in the distribution of narcotics, and other pills and narcotic items. An additional $18,674 in currency was seized that was located in proximity to the methamphetamine and firearms.
The total amount of Methamphetamine seized is placed at 1,660 grams or 3.66 pounds.
Police say the victim of the alleged domestic battery has been released from the hospital.
Wessel remains in custody at the Marion County Jail pending formal charges by the Marion County State’s Attorney.
