Soldiers Grove man arrested in meth bust

On April 30, the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department’s K-9 Unit made a traffic stop on a 2000 Pontiac Montana Van at 301 Karl Ave., Soldiers Grove. The van was being operated Matthew Lecher, 46, who also resides at the above address. 

The deputy observed items of methamphetamine paraphernalia in and around the van, along with observing Lecher to be displaying several indicators of drug impairment. After a brief conversation, Lecher ran toward his residence and was pursued by the deputy. The deputy caught Lecher as he was opening his front door. Lecher began to resist the deputy and throw items into the residence and pull away from the deputy. The deputy escorted Lecher back outside and to the ground before getting him detained. 

Lecher is on active probation for delivery of methamphetamine and possession of methamphetamine. A search of the residence was conducted and the deputy located a pill bottle lying on the ground where Lecher had resisted. The bottle contained several individual plastic bags, each with various amounts of a crystal-like substance, packaged for sales. The crystal substance later tested positive for methamphetamine. Several hypodermic needles, used to ingest heroin, were also located in the residence. 

During field sobriety testing, another plastic baggy with crystal like substance fell from the pants of Lecher. Lecher was ultimately arrested and transported to the Crawford County Jail. 

Possible charges include possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine >3 -10 grams, operating with a restricted controlled substance (third offense), possession of methamphetamine paraphernalia, resisting/obstructing an officer, and maintaining a drug trafficking place.