A traffic stop conducted by the Howard County Sheriff’s Office late Tuesday evening evolved into a significant narcotics investigation, resulting in three arrests, a residential search warrant, and the seizure of multiple illegal drugs, firearms, and cash. At approximately 11:20 PM on May 20, 2025, Deputy Trevor Richmond initiated a traffic stop near Buckeye Street and Woodland Avenue in Kokomo after observing a vehicle operating with a nonfunctioning headlight. The vehicle, a Chrysler 300, was occupied by 58-year-old Michael Steelman (driver) and 49-year-old Joshua Smith (passenger). During the stop, both individuals were found to have active arrest warrants—Smith for two outstanding warrants in Howard County, and Steelman for an active warrant out of the State of Maine. Officials in Maine declined to extradite.
During the investigation, a glass smoking device was found on Smith’s person. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered a hygiene kit in the center console containing a small plastic bag of suspected methamphetamine. Neither occupant claimed ownership of the drugs. Both subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center. Upon arrival at the jail, a body scanner revealed an anomaly on Smith’s person. A concealed plastic bag containing 29.2 grams of methamphetamine was recovered from his undergarments. Further investigation revealed a connection between Smith and a current inmate facing methamphetamine dealing charges. Given these findings, deputies obtained a search warrant for a residence in the 1700 block of S. Armstrong Street in Kokomo. At approximately 1:52 AM on May 21, 2025, deputies executed the search warrant with the assistance of K-9 and support units. The residence was secured without incident.
The search of the home yielded the following:
• 173 grams of methamphetamine
• 10.8 grams of fentanyl
• 58.1 grams of marijuana
• 46 dosage units of LSD
• Multiple loaded firearms, including handguns and a rifle
• Numerous glass smoking devices and assorted ammunition
48-year-old Michelle Steelman was located inside the residence and taken into custody.
Booking Charges:
Michael Steelman (Age 45)
• Dealing Methamphetamine – Level 2 Felony
• Dealing a Schedule I, II, or III Controlled Substance – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
• Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia – Class B Misdemeanor
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm – Level 5 Felony
Michelle Steelman (Age 48)
• Dealing Methamphetamine – Level 2 Felony
• Possession of Marijuana/Hash Oil/Hashish/Salvia – Class B Misdemeanor
• Dealing a Schedule I, II, or III Controlled Substance – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
Joshua Smith (Age 49)
• Warrant #34D01-2311-F6-03101
• Warrant #34D01-2401-F6-00137
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 3 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia – Class A Misdemeanor
The case remains active and under investigation by Corporal James Skinner. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact him directly at 765-614-3496, or by submitting a tip through the Sheriff’s Office mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.
The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an
allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.