#Two Miami University Students Face Drug Charges Linked to Dark Web

A month-long investigation leads to the arrest of two students.

#Investigation and Charges

A month-long investigation by law enforcement has resulted in drug charges against two Miami University students, William Esler and Michael Verlinden Jr., both 22 years old. The probe led to the discovery of evidence that the duo was involved in purchasing and distributing illicit substances.

#The Discovery of Illicit Substances

On May 1, a package containing 30 grams of cocaine was intercepted by the US Postal Service after a police canine unit detected it as suspicious. The parcel was addressed to Esler. Following a controlled delivery on May 8, police searched Esler's residence on South College Street, where they found the package's contents, a digital scale with white residue, and small baggies used for packaging smaller quantities of drugs.

#Evidence of Drug Distribution

Witnesses reported that Esler frequently distributed cocaine in Oxford, while Verlinden told investigators that he suspected the package contained drugs. An analysis of Verlinden's phone data revealed conversations with multiple individuals interested in purchasing drugs, as well as exchanges between the two students regarding dark web transactions and shipping the substances to Esler's address.

#Arrests and Charges

On May 14, police searched Verlinden's home on East Walnut Street, seizing a small quantity of cocaine, electronics, and drug paraphernalia. Both students were subsequently arrested, with Esler taken into custody on May 8 and Verlinden on May 14. The charges against the pair include drug trafficking.

#Current Status

As of the latest reports, Verlinden was being held at the Butler County Jail, while Esler had posted bond. According to their LinkedIn profiles, Esler is a senior finance major, and Verlinden is studying economics.