An investigation which began from a citizen’s anonymous tip resulted in the arrest of rural Austin man on weapons and drug charges, according to Scott County Sheriff Jerry Goodin.
Last Thursday, June 9, Scott County Sheriff’s Detective Paul Clute and Special Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) served a search warrant at a residence in northern Scott County resulting in the arrest of Christopher Michael Caudill, 37, of Austin.
Police seized illegal weapons and methamphetamine found in the residence.
Among the guns confiscated included modified AR-15 military style rifles, AR-15 rifle parts, a homemade silencer used to lessen the noise from a fired weapon, and various machining tools used for modifying and/or making guns, authorities reported.
The AR-15 is the style of weapon that has been used in a number of mass shootings in schools and other locations in the U.S. recently, authorities said.
In addition to the illegally modified weapons, police found approximately an ounce of methamphetamine in the residence.
Goodin said during the multiple month joint investigation, undercover officers were able to purchase methamphetamine, an AR-15 rifle, a silencer, and a handgun from Caudill which led to the search warrant and arrest last week.
Caudill was taken into custody by ATF Agents at the scene in northern Scott County and transported to the Clark County Jail in Jeffersonville where federal prisoners are held.
“I am extremely pleased with the public’s input,” said the sheriff. “This investigation started with just one citizen providing a tip to a Scott County Sheriffs’ Deputy. The joint effort between the ATF and the Scott County Sheriffs’ Office getting illegal guns and drugs off the streets shows the importance of cooperation with other law enforcement agencies, whether they are federal, state, or local, in keeping Scott County safe.”