(8-11-20) On July 31 2020 SWET-West detectives along with members of the Michigan State Police, and Benton Township Police executed a narcotics search warrant in the Township of Benton.

Hurtis Lee Murphy Jr (43) was the target of this investigation and was located in the house during the execution of the search.  Detectives located approximately a quarter ounce of crack cocaine that was packaged for distribution, digital scales, and other narcotics related items.

Hurtis Lee Murphy Jr was lodged at Berrien County Jail on the following charges

  1. Delivery Crack Cocaine 2nd
  2. Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine 2nd
  3. Maintaining a Drug House 2nd

On August 6, 2020 SWET- West detectives along with members of the Berrien County Sheriff Department and Michigan State Police conducted an operation into the sale of crack cocaine.  Suspect Hurtis Lee Murphy Jr (43) was arrested for delivery of crack cocaine.

SWET-West detectives conducted a search of Murphy’s home after he was arrested.  Detectives located crack cocaine that was packaged for sales and distribution.  Murphy was lodged at the Berrien County Jail on the following charges

  1. Delivery Crack Cocaine 2nd – 7 counts
  2. Possession with Intent to Deliver Crack Cocaine 2nd
  3. Maintaining a Drug House 2nd
  4. Bond Violation

The Southwest Enforcement Team (SWET) is comprised of sworn law enforcement personnel from the Berrien County Sheriff’s Office, Allegan Police Department, Allegan County Sheriff’s Office, Barry County Sheriff’s Office, Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, Covert Township Police Department, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo Township Police Department, Michigan State Police, South Haven Police Department, Saint Joseph County Sheriff’s Office, and Sturgis Police Department.