A joint mother-son narcotics investigation conducted by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office has concluded with prison sentences in Lawrence Superior Court 1 for both defendants.
Alicia A. Claffey, 49, and her adult son, Cody A. Powell, 21, both of Mitchell, were sentenced to the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) after entering negotiated plea agreements with the State of Indiana for dealing methamphetamine.
According to the Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Office, the convictions stem from an investigation into methamphetamine dealing in the community that culminated in deputies discovering over 70 grams of methamphetamine inside the pair's shared residence.
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joshua K. Scherschel stated:
“These two defendants were convicted after being found in their home with over 70 grams of Methamphetamine. This excellent investigation began with members of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office looking into allegations of dealing methamphetamine to members of our community. After their diligent investigation, this led to our successful prosecution, and removing this individual, his mother, and their methamphetamine, from our streets.”
DEFENDANT 1: Cody A. Powell (Son)
(Cause No. 47D01-2603-F2-000419)
Powell, represented by defense attorney Daniel Adam Dixon, was sentenced on July 14, 2026, by Pro Tem Judge Robert R. Cline.
Charges & Dismissals:
Pled Guilty: Count I: Dealing in Methamphetamine (10 grams or more), a Level 2 Felony.
Dismissed Charges: The State dismissed Count II (Level 3 Felony Possession of Methamphetamine over 28g), Count III (Level 4 Felony Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon), Count IV (Level 6 Felony Possession of Cocaine), Count V (Level 6 Felony Unlawful Possession of a Syringe), Count VI (Class A Misdemeanor Firearm Possession by a Domestic Batterer), and an accompanying Habitual Offender enhancement.
The Sentence:
Total Term:14 years committed to the IDOC.
Executed Incarceration: The first 10 years must be served executed in state prison.
Suspended & Probation:4 years suspended, with 2 years to be served on supervised probation upon release.
Credit Time: Awarded 108 actual days of credit for time served in pre-trial confinement.
Probation Conditions: While on probation, Powell must complete 40 hours of Community Service/Road Crew, complete the ADAPT program ($300 fee), earn his HSE diploma, and pay a $200 Drug Interdiction Fee.
Property Return: A seized firearm was ordered released to its verified legal owner, B. Powell.
DEFENDANT 2: Alicia A. Claffey (Mother)
(Cause No. 47D01-2603-F2-000418)
Claffey, represented by defense attorney Nicole Christine Slivensky, formally entered a plea agreement before Judge John M. Plummer III.
Charges & Resolution:
Pled Guilty: Count I: Dealing in Methamphetamine, amended to a Lesser Included Level 4 Felony.
Dismissed Counts: As part of the negotiated agreement, the State moved to dismiss the remaining counts, including Level 3 Felony Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 Felony Possession of Cocaine, and Level 6 Felony Unlawful Possession of a Syringe.
The Sentence:
Total Term:12 years committed to the IDOC.
Executed Incarceration: The first 4 years must be served executed in state prison.
Suspended Portion: The remaining 8 years of her sentence were ordered suspended.
