Robert Matthew Garner, 44,of Valparaiso, is facing additional felony charges following an investigation into alleged fentanyl sales in Porter County.
Court records allege Garner sold fentanyl during two separate incidents in Valparaiso on October 17, 2025 and October 23, 2025.
Investigators alleged Garner met with another individual at the Speedway gas station located at 473 W. U.S. Highway 30 in Valparaiso during both incidents. Court documents state investigators later recovered multiple baggies containing suspected heroin/fentanyl following each encounter.
According to the probable cause affidavit, the substance recovered on October 23 allegedly weighed approximately 2.3 grams and tested positive for fentanyl. Investigators also alleged the substance recovered during the October 17 incident weighed approximately 2.8 grams and tested positive for fentanyl.
Court documents further allege Garner has a prior Porter County conviction for dealing a controlled substance from October 21, 2002, which was listed as an enhancing circumstance in the case.
Garner has remained lodged in the Porter County Jail since February 28,2026.
Charges filed May 12,2026:
• Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl), Level 2 Felony
• Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl), Level 2 Felony
Pending Porter County cases and charges:
• Filed April 2, 2026 — Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Level 2 Felony
• Filed March 12, 2026 — Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl), Level 2 Felony;
Possession of a Device or Substance Used to Interfere with a Drug or Alcohol Screening Test,
Misdemeanor; Possession of Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor
• Filed March 2, 2026 — Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (Fentanyl), Level 2 Felony
