Sheboygan County, WI (WHBL) – It might be seen by some as a clear indication that Sheboygan police are not sitting idly by amid what experts are calling a growing heroin epidemic, including in Sheboygan.
While responding to a recent call about a possible overdose at a temporary living facility on North 7th Street, detectives immediately began connecting the dots – arresting the user, the user’s dealer, and the dealer’s supplier. There may be more arrests to come.
A criminal complaint filed in Sheboygan County court details how police aggressively followed the heroin supply chain, beginning with the near overdose.
The case centers around 23-year-old Jacob J Klink who is now facing a felony charge of narcotics possession after admitting to detectives that he injected heroin into his arm in the moments leading up to his medical emergency on Friday, October 23, 2015. On the spot, detectives began working to trace the near fatal dose of heroin Klink used to its source.
Klink alleges that he obtained the heroin from 26-year-old Kascha L. Earls of Sheboygan after making arrangements with her, via text messaging. Klink further states that he purchased heroin from Earls on at least five or six previous occasions.
Detectives were able to read a purported text exchange that set Klink’s heroin deal into motion. It reads as follows;
Kascha: Are you awake?
Jacob: Yeah; do you got it ready? Let's get this done. I got the cash, or not. Hit me up when you get it, or get your phone on.
Kascha: okay be there in a few.
Jacob: sounds good.
Kascha: Be outside, look for a blue Mustang.
Jacob : okay.
After detectives read the text exchange, Klink agreed to order more heroin later the same day. But, this time a street crimes unit lay in wait to make an arrest, and they did.
Earls was arrested along with 27-year-old Justin Ellenbecker when the two returned to the assisted living facility to allegedly deliver more heroin.
Then, Earl’s arrest led to the arrest of her alleged supplier, 26-year-old Richard A. Pocian of Sheboygan.
Detectives obtained a search warrant for Pocian’s South 10th Street home, and reportedly turned up heroin, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash.
When officers asked Earls and Pocian about selling heroin in Sheboygan, Earls responded that she only sells the drug to make a little money, and doesn’t use the drug.
Pocian told the officers that he has five children to support. Then, he reportedly asked the officers, “What else am I expected to do?”