North Vernon, IN — On December 28, 2025, Task Force Commander Graham Heffelfinger led an investigation at the Country Mark gas station on West Walnut Street after officers were dispatched to perform a welfare check on a female passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult female asleep in the driver’s seat of a running vehicle and observed signs consistent with opioid impairment. A subsequent investigation led to the discovery of approximately five (5) grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, legend drugs, drug paraphernalia, and cash.
The suspect, Jon Marie Little, was taken into custody. The investigation revealed evidence of active narcotics distribution.
Jon Marie Little has been formally charged with:
Dealing in Fentanyl
Possession of Fentanyl
Possession of Methamphetamine
Possession of a Legend Drug
Unlawful Possession of a Syringe
Task Force Commander Heffelfinger led the investigation with the assistance of Officer Holt, Sergeant Grunden, and Deputy Smock.
Task Force Commander Graham Heffelfinger released the following statement:
“A fatal dose of fentanyl can be as little as two milligrams — that is roughly the size of a few grains of salt. The five grams taken off our streets in this arrest represents more than 2,500 potentially lethal doses. This seizure absolutely saved lives in our community. Every gram of fentanyl removed matters, and we will continue to aggressively target those who bring this poison into North Vernon.”
The North Vernon Police Department remains committed to proactive enforcement, prevention, and education to protect our community from the dangers of illicit narcotics.
This investigation remains ongoing.
