Search underway for Delaware County man convicted of dealing in cocaine

DELAWARE COUNTY, Ind. — Authorities are searching for a man who has been convicted of dealing in cocaine and other felony drug-related charges in Delaware County Wednesday.

The Delaware County Prosecutor’s Office announced that Reginald Akins, 58, was convicted of the following charges by a jury Wednesday:

• Dealing in cocaine, level 3 felony
• Possession of methamphetamine, level 4 felony
• Driving while suspended, Class A misdemeanor
• Possession of paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor

The jury also applied a habitual offender charge to Akin as a result of two previous unrelated felony convictions for armed robbery and possession of methamphetamine.

DCPO noted that this sentencing was completed in an “unusual set of circumstances” as Akins was not present during the jury trial. Akins already had multiple unrelated cases pending against him while he was in the Delaware County Jail, which ultimately led to complications on how to proceed with the jury trial.

Due to the various pending cases, Akins was being held in Delaware County Jail until the trial could take place. This was disrupted, however, on May 3 when the court permitted him to post bail and he was temporarily released, DCPO said.

“On May 3, 2024, the Court, over the State’s objection, permitted the Defendant to post bail and be released,” said Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman. “On May 17, 2024, the Court granted the State’s Motion to Revoke Bail based on the allegation that the Defendant removed his electronic home detention bracelet and an arrest warrant was issued.”

According to DCPO, Akins failed to appear for his jury trial on Wednesday. Prosecutors decided to proceed with the case and conduct the jury trial this week despite the defendant’s absence.

There is an active arrest warrant for Akins. Anyone with information related to his potential whereabouts is asked to contact the Delaware County Drug Taskforce at 765-747-4866 or the Delaware County Dispatch Center at 765-747-7878.

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