North Vernon man accused of sexual conduct with minor, drug dealing

A North Vernon man was arrested on Friday on charges of child solicitation and drug dealing, among other offenses, according to police.

Police had been conducting a multi-month long investigation into 44-year-old Kristen E. Smiley’s alleged attempts to solicit sexual conduct with what he believed was a 15 -year-old. A warrant was issued for his arrest and Friday evening at about 9:10 p.m., his vehicle was pulled over by North Vernon Police.

A bag of meth was found on Smiley and police determined that he had been using a THC e-cigarette in the vehicle. A search allegedly found 56 grams of methamphetamine, 176 grams of marijuana, 3 vials of a prescription only steroid, a digital scale, packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia, along with $4,420 in cash.

In addition to the warrant he is facing charges of dealing in a controlled substance, methamphetamine and marijuana, possession of a syringe and drug paraphernalia and obstruction of justice.