Two arrested after theft from construction site

Two men have been arrested in Jennings County after an investigation into thefts at a construction site.

According to the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, the thefts happened overnight Friday and Saturday from a construction crew that had been working at a building in the Dupont area. Deputies identified a suspect vehicle and pulled it over. Deputies say that the occupants of the vehicle, Joshua Hahn and Kevin Vaughn, admitted to breaking into the building and stealing tools.

A search recovered about $40,000 worth of stolen tools and they were returned to the owners. Deputies also found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.

Hahn and Vaughn were arrested and are currently facing preliminary charges including burglary, theft and for possessing the drugs and paraphernalia.

Jennings County authorities say a felon with a handgun was arrested Friday after a struggle with deputies.

According to the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, deputies were called to a Butlerville home about an attempted burglary. While they were at the original residence, deputies realized that a home across the road was the address for a man with an outstanding warrant and noticed several people at that home.

Deputies approached the neighboring home to attempt to serve the warrant and saw a man run away. The man then allegedly tried to pull a gun from its holster on his waist. Deputies caught the man in a nearby creek and a struggle broke out. Authorities say that the man attempted to swallow bags of what appeared to be illegal drugs and continued trying to pull the gun from its holster. Sheriff’s Department police dog Creed was used to detain the man and take him into custody.

The suspect, Matthew Boggs of St. Paul, was taken into custody and deputies recovered a 9mm handgun and 27 grams of meth. Boggs was taken to St. Vincent Jennings Hospital for treatment before being taken to jail.

He is facing preliminary charges of

Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute
Resisting Law Enforcement with a Deadly Weapon
Resisting Law Enforcement Causing Injury
Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon
Obstruction of Justice
Resisting Law Enforcement

Madison Man Arrested for Attempted Murder

On May 29th, 2026 at 8:55PM MPD Officers were dispatched to a residence in the 700 Block of Green Rd in Madison in reference to a disturbance where a man attempted to stab someone.
Officers obtained a description of the suspect and located him near the residence. After speaking to multiple witnesses on scene and locating a knife, Officers placed Austen Riley, 30, of Madison under arrest.

Officers took Riley to the hospital for medical clearance for booking and learned that he would need to stay in the hospital for several days. Riley’s room was guarded until Monday Afternoon when he was cleared medically for incarceration.

The Jefferson County Prosecutors Office formally filed multiple felony charges against Riley on Monday, June 1st, 2026, including Attempted Murder, a level one felony, and Attempted Aggravated Battery, a level three felony. Riley also faces a level 5 felony charge of intimidation and a level six felony charge of Criminal Recklessness.

Austen Riley was on parole at the time of the offense for a 2018 Armed Robbery conviction, which also occurred in Madison.

MPD Patrol Officers Noah Guetig and Sam Larzelere led the investigation, assisted by MPD Officers Wimpee, Fox, and Captain Guzman, and Deputy Garner from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

All criminal charges are accusations, and Riley has the presumption of innocence unless other proven guilty in a court of law.

Seymour man receives more intimidation charges

A 60-year-old Seymour man, Fred W. Heckman, has been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly making deadly threats against bank employees and taking concrete steps toward carrying them out

Arrest and Charges

Heckman was taken into custody on May 8, 2026, by Seymour Police after reports of intimidation and threats toward current and former employees of a local financial institution, as well as others connected to it

Three counts of attempted murder (Level 1 felonies)

Four counts of intimidation (Level 6 felonies)

One count of intimidation of a law enforcement officer (Level 5 felony)

One count of disorderly conduct (misdemeanor)

Prosecutors say he also faces a $450,000 cash-only bond due to the severity of the allegations, public safety concerns, and his expressed intent to flee

Alleged Incidents

The threats reportedly began in April when Heckman allegedly told a bank manager he would return with an “armored vehicle and a 9mm” to force a cash withdrawal WISH-TV. On May 1, he allegedly threatened to put another employee “in the hospital.” On May 4, he arrived with a bucket of hammers, screaming over a large cash request, and engaged in two physical altercations with staff

Police say he was banned from all Jackson County Bank properties after the incidents. Officers later learned he had made similar threats while purchasing hammers at Ace Hardware, stating he would use them to “bash someone’s head in” and leave them at the scene

On May 15, a bank employee reported Heckman driving past her three times while parked in the employee lot, staring at her “like death.” Officers stopped his vehicle and found a loaded 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun with a shell in the chamber, along with ball-peen hammers within reach

On May 15, a bank employee reported Heckman driving past her three times while parked in the employee lot, staring at her “like death.” Officers stopped his vehicle and found a loaded 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun with a shell in the chamber, along with ball-peen hammers within reach
The case is ongoing, with a jury trial scheduled for October 27, 2026, at 8:30 a.m.

Fatal Crash on I‑65 Near Seymour Leaves 12‑Year‑Old Boy Dead

A multi‑vehicle crash on Saturday, May 30, 2026, on southbound Interstate 65 near the 51‑mile marker in Jackson County, Indiana, killed a 12‑year‑old boy from New Albany and injured five others

Incident Details

Around 5:20–5:21 p.m., emergency dispatchers reported a violent collision involving four vehicles:

			
A 2009 Chevrolet Impala (driver Cortez Verner, 46, of Louisville, KY; passengers Shanelle Bethel, 47, of Louisville, and Keri Bethel, 37, of New Albany)
A 2012 Mini Cooper (driver Ethyn Luther, 16, of Sellersburg; passenger Shannon Luther, 50)
A 2023 International semi‑truck (driver Thomas Long, 67, of Cleveland, TN)
A 2021 Dodge pickup towing a camper (driver Julie Felix Patrick, 52, ofof Melbourne, FL)
 Melbourne, FL)

		

The 12‑year‑old boy was a rear‑seat passenger in the Impala and was pronounced dead at the scene by Jackson County Deputy Coroner Todd Brumfield WBIW. The other three occupants of the Impala suffered severe injuries and were airlifted to regional trauma centers. The Mini Cooper occupants were treated for minor injuries and released. The truck and pickup drivers reported no injuries

Response and Traffic Impact

Both northbound and southbound lanes of I‑65 were closed for hours while medics treated victims, investigators worked, and debris was cleared. Traffic was completely paralyzed for miles north of Seymour WBIW+1. Multiple agencies responded, including Seymour Police, Indiana State Police, and several volunteer fire departments from Redding, Vernon, and Hamilton townships WBIW. All lanes reopened around 8:43 p.m., over three hours after the crash

Investigation

Indiana State Police are leading the investigation, but the cause of the crash has not been released
This tragic event has drawn widespread local and regional attention, with officials urging drivers to remain alert and follow posted safety advisories.

Monroe County Man Arrested After I‑65 Pursuit Ends in Southern Bartholomew County

5/24/25
A Monroe County man was arrested Sunday evening after a high‑speed pursuit on southbound I‑65 ended in southern Bartholomew County.

Incident details

The chase began just after 7:30 p.m. near the 77‑mile marker when a car nearly sideswiped a Senior Indiana State Police (ISP) trooper’s patrol vehicle while traveling at high speed. The driver, Joe Dylan Hacker, 23, of Bloomington, fled when a traffic stop was attempted. The pursuit was cut short after about two miles due to heavy traffic and wet road conditions

Arrest and custody

When officers approached, Hacker allegedly failed to comply with repeated commands, prompting a trooper to deploy a Taser to subdue him. ISP later learned the vehicle had been reported stolen in Marion County

Charges

He faces multiple charges, including:Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle (Level 6), Theft of a Motor Vehicle (Level 6), Unauthorized Entry of a Motor Vehicle Used in a Crime (Level 6), Obstruction of Justice (Level 6)

Misdemeanor: Resisting Law Enforcement (Misdemeanor‑A), Operating While Intoxicated – Endangerment (Misdemeanor‑A), Theft – All Other Larceny (Misdemeanor‑A), Aggressive Driving (Misdemeanor‑A), Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Crash (Misdemeanor‑B), Reckless Driving Causing Property Damage (Misdemeanor‑B), Operating While Intoxicated (Misdemeanor‑C), Refusal to Identify (Misdemeanor‑C)

Authorities are investigating the stolen vehicle and the property‑damage crashes.

Former Councilman Changes Plea; Gets Probation On Drug Charges

A former Republican Crothersville Town Councilman pleaded guilty to multiple drug charges in Clark County and was sentenced to one year probation earlier this month.

Ardell O. Mitchell, 62, of the 11000 block of E 600 S in Crothersville changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to one year probation by Clark Circuit Court 2 Judge Bradley B. Jacobs on May 14.

Mitchell pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine, possession of narcotic drug, both felonies, and misdemeanor charges of possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was ordered to pay court fees, drug abuse fee, probation user fee, and be subject to unscheduled probation department visits over the next 12 months.

If he successfully completes probation the court could modify the felony convictions to misdemeanors, according to the court record.

Mitchell was arrested around 2 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025 by Clarksville Police Officer Colton Foreman after Mitchell failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Little League Blvd and Kopp Lane in Clarksville.

After making the traffic stop, Foreman said while talking to Mitchell he could smell the odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The officer had Mitchell exit the vehicle so he could conduct a search.

According to the probable cause affidavit the police officer located two small baggies with a powdery substance and a cut straw. Mitchell informed the officer that he believed the powdery substance was heroin, according to the court document. Mitchell also told the officer he had marijuana in his vehicle.

The officer located a black soft fabric case with individual baggies containing a crystal like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine. The officer also located several rolled marijuana cigarettes and a glass smoking device containing burnt residue.

Mitchell was a member of the Crothersville town council for eight years through the end of 2015, when he did not seek another term. Most recently he was a member of the Crothersville Redevelopment Commission until resigning in May 2025.

Crothersville Town Council Votes To Fire Police Chief

In a special meeting last Monday, May 18, the Crothersville Town Council voted 4-0 to terminate suspended Crothersville Chief of Police Matthew S. Browning. Councilman Jason Hillenburg was not present during the meeting.

Browning was suspended without pay during the council’s March 3 meeting pending completion of an investigation. But during a special March 24 meeting the council changed their position with no explanation and placed him on administrative leave with pay.

According to the police disciplinary document, Browning is charged with violation of police department rules, being absent without leave, conduct unbecoming an officer, neglect of duty, conduct causing harm to the public peace & welfare.

Specifically the local investigation showed that in 2025 Browning consistently over-reported the time he worked which resulted in pay of $10,395.71 for over 300 hours he did not work.

Crothersville K-9 Police Officer Luna, the partner of Browning, was officially retired during the council’s April 7 meeting due to medical reasons.

The investigation showed that Browning had been compensated for the K-9’s maintenance and training but failed to utilize the dog for police work for over a year and a half. Browning also failed to attend K-9 training that was approved and paid for by the town, according to the disciplinary charging document.

Acting Police Chief Jonathon Tabor delivered the disciplinary documents to Browning following the May 18 meeting. Browning had up to five days to request in writing a hearing before the council. The town has been officially notified on Thursday, May 21, that Browning has requested a hearing, according to clerk-treasurer Danita Foster.

The council will hold the hearing in executive session at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at town hall. Executive sessions are closed to the public and the media.

In addition to town attorney Matt Lorenzo of Lorenzo Bevers Braman & Connell the council has also retained Alex C. Intermill of Bose McKinney & Evans, a law firm in Indianapolis, to prosecute the disciplinary charges against Browning.

The town could pursue a civil action to recoup the over payment of wages from Browning.

Browning has served as Crothersville’s chief of police since July 2018.

WE SEE YOU INDIANAPOLIS !!!!
Turns out we have quit the fan base in Nap Town !!

Please keep coming back as we will be adding some INDY coverage on the site and on our Facebook page !!

Official Statement regarding Arrests of Farron and Raven Dyer

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office received an investigative report from the Indiana State Police involving Farron and Raven Dyer. Since that time, both individuals have posted bond, pursuant to the established bond schedule under Indiana law and local rule.

Our office has received calls, messages, and inquiries regarding the status of this matter, specifically why formal charges have not yet been filed.

After review of the circumstances surrounding this matter, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office found it most appropriate to request the appointment of a Special Prosecutor in these cases. The cases are now assigned to the Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office for review and any charging decisions moving forward.

The decision to seek a Special Prosecutor was made to ensure no appearance of bias, conflict, or impropriety and to preserve the integrity of the legal process concerning the allegations. Our office requested an independent review in this matter to ensure public confidence and fairness for all parties involved.

As with all cases, charging decisions are based upon a thorough review of the evidence and applicable law. We appreciate the public’s patience and understanding while the assigned Special Prosecutor completes their review.

As this matter remains under legal review, no further comments will be made at this time

Officials with the Madisonville Police Department say a man is now facing charges after investigators say he falsely claimed military service and received thousands of dollars under false pretenses.

According to a police report, detectives launched an investigation in April 2026 after receiving allegations involving theft by deception, forgery, and misrepresenting military status.

Investigators say the case began after the Madisonville American Legion reported concerns about a former member who allegedly submitted documents claiming he served in the military and participated in combat operations.

Authorities identified the suspect as Matthew Martz. Investigators say Martz received $6,130.72 after others believed he was a military veteran.

During the investigation, police reportedly discovered Martz had falsified a DD Form 214 — the official military document used to summarize a service member’s record — indicating he served in combat with the U.S. Army.

Investigators later determined Martz had never served in the military.

Martz was arrested and transported to the Hopkins County Detention Center where he was booked on the following charges:

• Theft by Deception

• Forgery (2nd Degree)

• Misrepresenting Military Status

Police have not released additional information, and the investigation remains ongoing. All suspects are presumed innoncent until proven guilty in a Court of Law.

Seymour man found guilty in 2024 business burglary

BROWNSTOWN — A Seymour man faces prison time after a Jackson County jury found him guilty this week of breaking into a local business and stealing thousands of dollars’ worth of tools and materials.

Following a two-day trial that concluded on Wednesday, May 13, Michael Silas Miller was convicted in Jackson Circuit Court on all charges brought against him.
The convictions stem from an October 2024 incident at Home Products International, a business located on Chestnut Street in Seymour. During the trial, the State presented evidence proving that Miller unlawfully entered the facility to remove property.

Among the items stolen were tools, copper wiring, and various other materials. At the time of the break-in, business management estimated the total financial loss to be more than $9,000.

Investigators were able to zero in on Miller using a combination of surveillance camera footage from the scene, extensive witness interviews, and additional police investigative techniques.

The case was prosecuted on behalf of the State of Indiana by Deputy Prosecutors Emily Shoemaker and Ethan Sparks. Following the reading of the verdicts, the Prosecutor’s Office publicly commended the Seymour Police Department and all responding law enforcement investigators for the meticulous work and dedication that led to the successful conviction.

Miller remains in custody awaiting sentencing. Jackson Circuit Court Judge Richard W. Poynter has scheduled his sentencing hearing for June 16, where Miller could face multiple years in prison under Indiana sentencing guidelines for felony burglary and theft.

Attorney General Todd Rokita celebrates Indiana Supreme Court victory upholding landmark pro-life law

INDIANA – The Indiana Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Planned Parenthood’s petition to transfer jurisdiction, ensuring that last August’s Indiana Court of Appeals decision upholding the state’s landmark pro-life law will stand. The ruling marks a decisive victory for Attorney General Todd Rokita and his office in their efforts to protect unborn life.

“This is a major victory for the rule of law, for unborn Hoosiers, and for the people of Indiana who elected us to protect innocent life,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Our office has fought tirelessly to defend this pro-life law, and no matter how many times Planned Parenthood drags us back into court to push their culture of death, we will never back down. We will keep fighting for mothers, fathers, and every unborn child in this state.”

Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers argued in their challenge that the law’s health exceptions allowing abortions were too narrow to comply with the Indiana Constitution’s life and liberty protections. The Indiana Court of Appeals ruling found that the law’s “reasonable medical judgment” standard for the exceptions was constitutional.

In 2025, Indiana recorded 126 abortions — down from 9,529 in 2022 before the law was in effect.

“Making abortion illegal is one thing — making it unthinkable is our ultimate goal,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Indiana is proving we’re winning that fight with real results, but our work is far from finished. We will push forward relentlessly — not only defending our laws but transforming the culture so every unborn child is valued and protected.”

Attorney General Rokita thanked Solicitor General James Barta and his outstanding team for their exceptional work and unwavering commitment throughout this hard-fought victory.

North Vernon Man’s Body Recovered from Crosley Lake

Indiana Conservation Officers have recovered the body of 20-year-old Christopher Allman of North Vernon after he drowned in Crosley Lake in Jennings County on the evening of Thursday, May 14, 2026

Incident details

According to preliminary investigation, around 9 p.m. Allman was attempting to back a pickup truck down the boat ramp at Crosley Lake when the vehicle entered the water and traveled about 100 feet from the ramp WHAS11+1. Both Allman and a passenger exited the truck and tried to swim back to shore. The passenger reached safety, but Allman went under and did not resurface .

Recovery and cause of death

Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers began searching for Allman shortly after the incident. His body was recovered at approximately 1:12 a.m. on Friday, May 15, and he was pronounced dead at the scene .
Investigation status

The Indiana DNR and local law enforcement are investigating the cause of the accident. Authorities have not released further details about the passenger or the exact circumstances leading to the truck’s entry into the water.

Crosley Lake is located about two miles south of Vernon, in Jennings County, roughly 75 miles southeast of downtown Indianapolis

PROSECUTOR LYNSEY N. FLEETWOOD FILES THREE FELONY COUNTS CONCERNING OVER $160,000 STOLEN FROM JACKSON COUNTY WATER UTILITY

Today, Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney Lynsey N. Fleetwood filed three Level 5 Felony Counts of Theft against Stephanie K. Austin, following an investigation conducted by Detective Jac Sanders of the Brownstown Police Department, concerning allegations of stolen cash deposits from the Jackson County Water Utility.

According to the Probable Cause Affidavit and filed charging information, the investigation began after discrepancies were identified during an audit of financial records. As part of the investigation, law enforcement reviewed financial documentation, audit findings, employee statements, and security footage.

The charges allege that between February 6, 2024 and February 25, 2026, Defendant Austin stole cash belonging to the Jackson County Water Company, totaling approximately $160,142.78.

The allegations are divided into three counts based on the following time periods:

Count I: February 6, 2024 through January 31, 2025

Alleged amount stolen: $53,685.33

Count II: February 1, 2025 through September 2, 2025

Alleged amount stolen: $50,933.54

Count III: September 3, 2025 through February 25, 2026

Alleged amount stolen: $55,523.91

According to the investigation, customer accounts were not impacted, as payments made to the utility were properly posted to their accounts.

These charges are formal allegations only. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has filed formal charges against Fred W. Heckman

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has filed formal charges against Fred W. Heckman in Jackson Circuit Court stemming from an incident that occurred on May 8, 2026, in Seymour, Indiana. The defendant has been charged with three counts of Attempted Murder, all Level 1 Felonies, four counts of Intimidation, all Level 6 Felonies, and one count of Disorderly Conduct, a Class B Misdemeanor.

According to the Probable Cause Affidavit and Information filed with the Court, the investigation alleges the defendant entered Jackson County Bank in Seymour and made threats toward bank employees while demanding specific actions from the institution. Court documents further allege the defendant later purchased multiple hammers and returned to the area of the bank, where additional threats and concerning behavior were reported to law enforcement.

Law enforcement officers subsequently conducted a traffic stop on the defendant’s vehicle after locating him near the bank. During the investigation, officers located multiple hammers inside the vehicle, as well as a loaded 12-gauge bullpup shotgun with the safety disengaged and a round chambered.

The filed charges specifically allege that the defendant took substantial steps toward intentionally killing three individuals by obtaining and utilizing a hammer as a weapon. Additional allegations include threats made toward multiple individuals, including a Seymour Police Officer.

Following a motion filed by the State requesting an increased bond based upon the severity of the allegations, concerns for community safety, and statements allegedly made by the defendant indicating an intent to flee the jurisdiction, the Court set the defendant’s bond at $450,000 cash only with no surety permitted.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office would like to extend its sincere appreciation to the Seymour Police Department and all assisting law enforcement agencies for their swift response, professionalism, and coordinated efforts during this incident. Their actions helped prevent what could have been a far greater tragedy and ensured the safety of both the public and responding officers.

As in all criminal cases, the charges filed are merely allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law

Michael Silas Miller was found guilty following a two day jury trial conducted on May 12–13, 2026, in Jackson Circuit Court.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy Prosecutor Emily Shoemaker and Deputy Prosecutor Ethan Sparks on behalf of the State of Indiana. After hearing the evidence, the jury returned guilty verdicts on all charges submitted: Burglary, a Level 5 Felony; Theft, a Level 6 Felony; and Theft, a Class A Misdemeanor

During the trial, the State presented evidence that Miller participated in the burglary of Home Products International in Seymour. Evidence showed that Miller unlawfully entered the business and removed property, including copper wiring, tools, and other items from the facility. Investigators utilized surveillance footage, witness statements, and additional investigative techniques that ultimately led to the identification and prosecution of those involved.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office extends its appreciation to the Seymour Police Department and all law enforcement officers and investigators whose hard work and dedication contributed to the investigation and successful prosecution of this case.

Sentencing is currently scheduled for June 16, 2026.

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to protecting the citizens of Jackson County and pursuing justice on behalf of victims and our community

Pierceton man arrested for possession of sex abuse material following Indiana State Police investigation
PIERCETON – On May 12, 2026, detectives with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) arrested a Pierceton man on alleged charges of possession of child sexual abuse material and possession of drugs.
This investigation began when a tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip ultimately led to a search warrant being served on a residence in rural Pierceton.

As a result of the investigation, Claude Mullins, 63 of Pierceton, IN, was arrested and transported to the Kosciusko County Jail on charges of possession of child pornography, Level 5 felony, possession of methamphetamine, Level 6 felony, possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor, and possession of drug paraphernalia, Class A misdemeanor.

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office and the Howard County Sheriff’s Department.

The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police. The task force serves to conduct investigations into reports of child sexual exploitation, enticement by predators, and the production and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM); apprehend and prosecute offenders; and educate the public on how to prevent online child victimization. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators from around the state evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse.

The Indiana ICAC Task Force encourages Hoosiers to report online exploitation, solicitation, and enticement-type crimes against children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The NCMEC website can be accessed through the ICAC Task Force website. To report a crime with your child as a victim involving the Internet or other electronic means, please contact your local Indiana law enforcement agency. To learn more about the efforts of the Indiana ICAC, visit internetcrimesagainstkids.com

Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.

Muncie man arrested for possession of child sexual abuse material

DELAWARE COUNTY – Members of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force served a search warrant near the 1200 block of North Wildwood Lane in Muncie during the morning hours on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, following a short investigation involving a Muncie resident and the possession of child sexual abuse material.

Indiana State Police ICAC Unit and their K9 Titus, Indiana ICAC Task Force, Indiana State Police Digital Forensics Unit, Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section – Criminal Interdiction Unit, US Department of Homeland Security Investigations(HSI), and Howard County Sheriff’s Office assisted in the execution of the search warrant in Muncie.

Detectives from the ICAC Task Force initiated the investigation after receiving a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) about a particular internet account likely in possession of child sexual abuse material. ICAC detectives immediately began working to identify the owner of the account and to confirm that the media was child sexual abuse material. During the investigation, the task force identified the suspect as Sebastian Wayne Parker, 20, of Muncie.

Parker was arrested and transported to the Delaware County Jail, where he is preliminarily charged with possession of child sexual abuse material, a Level 5 felony, and possession of material depicting a child under 12 years old, a Level 4 felony.

Grand Jury indicts homeowner and mother after infant killed in 2025 pit bull attack
BROWNSTOWN – New court documents are shedding light on a case where an infant was fatally mauled by a dog in a “preventable tragedy” in Jackson County.

Todd Banks, 50, was taken into custody on Sunday, May 10, following a grand jury indictment on one count of Level 5 felony reckless homicide. The charges stem from the April 3, 2025, death of a 2-month-old infant at a residence in the 1800 block of South County Road 100 East. The infant was transported via ambulance to the Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, where she died shortly after arriving
The investigation revealed that the infant’s family was living with Banks and his wife and their two pit bulls at the time of the attack. According to the probable cause affidavit, both Banks and the child’s mother, Paitlyn Grove, 25, of Crothersville, were aware that one of the dogs posed a significant threat to the baby.
Statements in the affidavit detail a chilling history of near-misses:

Grove told detectives the dog had previously attempted to pick the infant up by a blanket while the child was in a car seat.

Banks reportedly admitted to investigators that he had witnessed the same dog try to pick the infant up by its shirt during a separate incident.

Detectives noted that during the emergency call placed after the attack, Banks could allegedly be heard saying, “I knew she would do that,” referring to the dog.

On the day of the attack, the infant was reportedly sleeping in an upstairs bedroom. Investigators found that the bedroom door lacked a working doorknob and could not be latched shut.

Grove said she reportedly heard the infant crying while on the phone and, at some point, a dog barking. The documents said that Grove told law enforcement that the infant was crying “from anywhere between three to five minutes before she went to the infant.”

While the home contained “makeshift barriers” designed to keep the pit bulls restricted to certain areas, police discovered that neither barrier was in place when the attack occurred. One of the dogs was found with blood on its face by first responders; that dog has since been euthanized.

The grand jury determined that the failure to secure the animal, despite knowing its history of “concerning behavior” toward the child, met the threshold for criminal recklessness.

Under Indiana law, a Level 5 felony carries a sentencing range of one to six years in prison. While Banks is currently in custody, charges against the child’s mother, Paitlyn Grove, remain pending.

The Jackson County Sheriff’s Department emphasized that the lengthy, year-long investigation was necessary to process the forensic evidence and witness statements required for the grand jury indictment.

Indiana regulators awaiting final federal marijuana action as lawmaker drafts legalization bill

Indiana lawmakers could soon revisit debates over medical marijuana legalization, but state officials say it remains unclear when — or if — federal marijuana reclassification will formally trigger action in Indiana.

At a Monday meeting, the Indiana Board of Pharmacy reviewed a federal notice related to marijuana rescheduling but took no formal action. Board members said any future state response depends on the federal process becoming official.

That means Indiana’s marijuana laws remain unchanged, for now.

Even so, Republican Sen. Mike Bohacek announced on Monday his plans to draft 2027 legislation that would legalize medical marijuana in Indiana and establish regulations governing its sale, distribution and use. Bills for the 2027 session can’t be filed until later this year.
Indiana remains among a shrinking number of states without a medical marijuana program, even as neighboring states have expanded legalization efforts. Multiple proposals to legalize or decriminalize marijuana — including limited medical-use bills — have repeatedly stalled in the General Assembly in recent legislative sessions.

Earlier this year, Indiana lawmakers again failed to reach an agreement on cannabis-related policy changes. A Senate-approved proposal to crack down on intoxicating hemp-derived THC products died before the legislature adjourned.

Bohacek emphasized that his bill would not legalize recreational marijuana, though.

“While the legislation I plan to propose would legalize the use of medical marijuana, it would not take away from the safety standards that would need to be established to keep Hoosiers safe,” he said. “This proposed legislation would not legalize the use of recreational marijuana.”

Bohacek additionally said he plans to build “plenty of parameters” into the legislation governing how medical marijuana would be distributed and regulated in Indiana.

“I intend to include plenty of parameters around the implementation and use of medical marijuana to ensure it’s being properly regulated and distributed by Hoosier healthcare professionals,” Bohacek said.

He maintained that the legislation would establish THC impairment standards and additional law enforcement training requirements.

“Many of our state’s current laws regarding the use of marijuana would remain in place, with some adjustments to account for those who may have medical exemptions,” Bohacek said.

The senator argued, too, that Indiana should consider regulating and taxing marijuana products already widely available in the state.

“Indiana has already allowed the sale of delta-8 THC and other similar cannabinoids, so creating a tax policy is a logical next step in expanding the use of THC products,” Bohacek said. “There is potential to bring in millions of dollars in tax revenue every year.”

PERTAINING TO OUR PRESENCE ON FACEBOOK:
A STATEMENT FROM THE ADMIN

Hello neighbors….this is a new day.

About three weeks ago I have just ‘ acquired ‘ an admin role on this page.I made some changes ASAP . I have DITCHED ALL THE OLD ADMINS.We will not be doing any more Gossip here ourselves.

Just the news and opinions of Seymour and the surrounding area.

I have bought and now own the domain name ‘Seymour Neighborhood Watch’ and we now also have a website presence under the same as we over time pace ourselves away from facebook.You will find more detailed articles and stories here at:

https://seymourneighborhoodwatch.com

Our intentions are to rebrand ourselves into a full fledged media presence to compete against local and state liberal news sources like that are found here locally.

We became tired of local RAGS being the mouthpiece of those in charge who do not have the best interest of the area in mind.

We were over other pages claiming to be the moral high ground when we can see them bash the homeless and people of poor means.

Please bear with us as we rebrand and disperse ourselves into the area.

Thank you for your support and if you have suggestions,inquiries,questions or just want to chat hit us up on our gmail @

seymourneighborhoodwatch@gmail.com

Once again thanks for the support and keep coming back and visit our website where you can also comment off facebook on the stories and articles you see here

Former IU student accepts plea deal in 2024 on-campus sexual assault case

BLOOMINGTON — An Indiana University student has signed a plea agreement following a violent sexual assault that occurred at an on-campus residence hall in September 2024.

According to the agreement filed in Monroe County Circuit Court 2, Gregory Gabler, of Delray Beach, Florida, will plead guilty to a felony charge of criminal confinement. In exchange for the plea, two counts of rape will be dismissed.
The deal stipulates a six-year sentence for Gabler, which will be entirely suspended to probation. Under the specific terms of the agreement, Gabler is permitted to return to Florida, provided he completes his probation term there. He must complete 200 hours of community service.

Since his arrest, Gabler has been issued a formal trespass warning, barring him from all Indiana University property.

The assault took place between 11:00 p.m. on Sept. 6 and 3:00 a.m. on Sept. 7, 2024, following an IU home football game. According to court documents, the victim had gone to Gabler’s room in Willkie Hall with friends. After the others left, the situation turned violent.

The victim told investigators that the 18-year-old Gabler was “drenched in beer” and became “very aggressive,” at one point telling her, “you’re never leaving me,” as he assaulted her. The victim reportedly waited until Gabler fell asleep before escaping to her own dorm room.

When the victim returned to her room, her roommate described her as “crying uncontrollably.” Police later documented the physical toll of the encounter, taking photos of circular bite marks and extensive bruising on the victim’s face, neck, chest, and arms.

IU Police Department officers located Gabler on September 10, 2024, while he was attending a class. Though he allegedly refused to answer questions at the time of his arrest, he was subsequently booked into the Monroe County Jail.

Gavin Jones Arrested in Freetown for Theft of Four-Wheeler

Gavin Jones, of Freetown, has been arrested and charged with theft of a four-wheeler.
On March 10, Jackson County Officer Skylar Thompson responded to the 4000 block of North County Road 460W in reference to the attempted theft of a 4-wheeler.

The owner of the 4-wheeler said he recognized the individual as being 19-year-old Gavin Jones of Freetown, who was not located at the time.

County Detective Jesse Hutchinson conducted interviews with witnesses and confirmed the suspect trying to steal the 4-wheeler was Gavin Jones. Hutchinson filed for a warrant and it was issued by the courts.

Arrest Details

Location: Freetown, Indiana

Incident Type: Theft of a four-wheeler (motorcycle or ATV)

Inmate recaptured after escape from Edinburgh facility

An inmate at the Edinburgh Correctional Facility is back behind bars this afternoon after a brief escape.

Department of Correction officers recaptured Montez Beech around 9:30 a.m. this morning, just hours after he left the minimum-security facility on Thursday night. Investigators say Beech was picked up by an associate who is now considered a person of interest in the case.

Beech was serving time for an auto theft conviction out of Hamilton County.

Authorities are continuing to look into how the escape was coordinated.

Story courtesy of Network Indiana

An inmate at the Edinburgh Correctional Facility is back behind bars this afternoon after a brief escape.

(PARTIALLY SOURCED FROM 1010 WCSI)

File photo courtesy of Indiana Department of Correction.

BROWNSTOWN, Ind. — Two individuals have been charged after an infant died as a result of a dog attack in Brownstown in April 2025.

— Two individuals have been charged after an infant died as a result of a dog attack in Brownstown in April 2025. According to a news release from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, a Jackson County Grand Jury indicted 50-year-old Todd Banks, a Brownstown resident, on Thursday.

After the indictment, a warrant was issued for Banks’ arrest. On Sunday, Banks was arrested on a warrant by officers with the Brownstown Police Department and deputies with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department.

Criminal charges were also filed against 25-year-old Paitlyn Grove, a Crothersville resident who is the child’s mother. According to court documents, Grove was charged with one count of reckless homicide, a Level 5 felony.

OTHER REPORTS
JACKSON COUNTY, Ind. — An investigation is underway after an infant was killed by a dog in Jackson County on Thursday.

According to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called around 12:26 p.m. to a home located in the 1800 block south of County Road 100 East in response to a reported dog attack.

JCSO said authorities arrived on the scene and immediately began providing CPR to the 2-month-old infant. The infant was then placed inside a police vehicle and transported to the sheriff’s department, which authorities said functions as a landing zone for air ambulance transportation.

A decision was then made to transport the infant in an ambulance since the air ambulance had not arrived yet. EMS then transported the infant to the Schneck Medical Center, where they died shortly after arriving, JCSO said.

While the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident remains active, JCSO confirmed the dog involved in the incident was a pit bull. The dog is currently being kept at the Jackson County K-9 Control Cente

Police chase on I-65 ends in Greenwood four-car crash

Chase turns into crash: A stop for speeding and a false plate escalated into a chase on I-65, ending in a four-car pileup near Greenwood.

Six people injured: One woman is in critical but stable condition, while five others, including the suspect, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Pursuit policy concerns: The crash adds to national debate on pursuit safety, with experts urging stricter rules and alternative apprehension methods.

How the Greenwood chase began

Indiana State Police say the incident began when a trooper attempted to stop a gray Chevrolet Equinox near the 75-mile marker for speeding and displaying a false or fictitious license plate. The driver, identified as 25-year-old Nicole Bryant of Indianapolis, refused to stop and fled north on I-65 into Johnson County. The pursuit ended near the 99-mile marker when Bryant drove onto the shoulder to pass traffic, struck another vehicle, and triggered a four-car chain-reaction crash.

Critical injuries and emergency response

Troopers applied multiple tourniquets to a woman with severe injuries before she was transported to a hospital, where she was reported in critical but stable condition. Five others, including Bryant, were taken to area hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening. Multiple agencies, including local police, fire, and transportation departments, assisted at the scene, and northbound I-65 was closed for hours for investigation and cleanup

Seymour Man Arrested on Attempted Murder and Intimidation Charges

A 60-year-old Seymour man is in custody after police say he threatened current and former employees of a local financial institution, along with others connected to it, and took concrete steps toward carrying those threats out..

The Seymour Police Department identified the suspect as Fred W. Heckman of Seymour and said he was booked into the Jackson County Jail. Investigators stressed the case is still active and that all parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

According to the Seymour Police Department, a written incident release from Lieutenant C. J. Foster says patrol officers received information that an individual had been intimidating and making threats toward present and past employees and other people tied to a local financial institution. Investigators are continuing to build the case, and the department says more details will be released as they become available.

The release also notes that the individual “took what was perceived as a substantial step in carrying out the threats,” according to the Seymour Police Department.

Custody and Local Jurisdiction

Heckman was transported to the Jackson County Jail in Brownstown, which houses inmates from Seymour and surrounding communities. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office lists the facility at 150 East SR 250 in Brownstown and provides contact numbers for the jail for those seeking official custody or booking information.

Arrest and Charges

Police say they arrested Heckman on Friday and booked him into the Jackson County Jail on multiple felony counts. The release states he faces three counts of attempted murder, classified as Level 1 felonies, three counts of intimidation, classified as Level 6 felonies, and one count of intimidation of a law enforcement officer, classified as a Level 5 felony.

Officials note that media inquiries and requests for booking or court details should be directed to the sheriff’s office or the county prosecutor, who will handle the case as it moves through the local court system.

Legal Context

The allegations carry serious potential penalties under Indiana law. Attempted murder is treated as a Level 1 felony, and state statutes set a 20-year minimum sentence for Level 1 felonies. Level 5 and Level 6 felonies carry lower minimum terms. Sentencing ranges and advisory terms are outlined in the Indiana Code, which governs felony penalties and procedures statewide. The statutory ranges are available in the Indiana Code.

What’s Next

Police say the investigation is ongoing. Jackson County prosecutors will review the case file and decide what formal charges to file, along with the next procedural steps, such as arraignment and bond decisions.

The Seymour Police Department has asked anyone with information related to the threats or the ongoing investigation to contact detectives. For updates on custody status and court records as the case proceeds, the public can check with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.

Incident Release

On May 8, 2026, Patrol officers with the Seymour Police Department received information that an individual had been intimidating and making threats to present and past employees, and individuals associated with a local financial institution. As officers began the investigation, they learned the individual in question had made threats to the lives of several individuals and took what was perceived as a substantial step in carrying out the threats. As a result of the investigation, which is in the infancy stage, officers arrested Fred W. Heckman age 60 of Seymour for three (3) counts of attempted murder all level 1 felonies, three (3) counts of intimidation all level 6 felonies, and one (1) count of intimidation of a law enforcement officer a level 5 felony. Heckman was taken to Jackson County Jail. This is an ongoing investigation as investigators and officers are still following up on information. Nothing further is available at this time.

All parties herein depicted or described are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Lieutenant C. J. Foster

Seymour Police Department

Study breaks down Indiana’s current marijuana use as Governor Mike Braun signals openness to policy discussions

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA) – Indiana remains one of only 10 states without legalized medical marijuana.

However, that could soon change after Governor Mike Braun recently signaled he’s open to discussing marijuana policy as laws continue to change nationwide.

Long-time advocates are now watching closely for what could come next…

Whether many Hoosiers realize it or not, THC products that can produce a high are widely available in Indiana right now.

Often sold in stores with limited oversight, the accessibility creates a contradiction – restrictive cannabis laws and a large, growing user base.

RAND study: About 1 in 6 Hoosiers are regular marijuana, THC users

A new RAND study examining marijuana and THC use across Indiana estimates 1.3 million people ages 12 and up are regular users, or about one in six residents.

According to the study, use among adults has also doubled since 2011, with the sharpest rise among people older than 26.

And while use among youth appears to be declining, the study notes teens may underreport or not fully understand the products they’re consuming.

Indiana has ‘most restrictive’ marijuana policy measures in U.S.

Researchers also evaluated all 50 states across 17 separate marijuana policy measures.

The results – Indiana ranked the most restrictive overall.

While ranked the most restrictive overall, the report noted that the state is surrounded with legal marijuana access and most Hoosiers live within 100 miles of a legal dispensary, meaning residents can drive, purchase legally elsewhere, and return within hours.

Farm Bill “hemp” loophole allows for Indiana’s current THC products

The study says a major reason THC products remain common in Indiana is because of the 2018 federal Farm Bill, which defined hemp as cannabis containing less than 0.3% delta‑9 THC by dry weight.

“I think… you’ve got to take what’s evolved over time. Stick your head in the sand, you’re generally going to make the wrong decision.”

Braun also pointed to legislative leadership as the key decision-makers, signaling openness but not committing to a specific policy path.

RAND is not advocating a policy outcome. The study says its core message is that Hoosiers should understand the consequences of the current system, and that it’s fair to ask whether Indiana’s approach is working.

Jackson County Industrial Leader To Retire After 42 Years

GOOD BYE TO BAD LUCK-THIS MAN HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT BAD NEWS FOR AMERICAN CITIZENS

Jim Plump, the longtime executive director of Jackson County Industrial Development Corp., has announced his intentions to retire at the end of September this year. The announcement was made during a meeting of the JCIDC board of directors.

Plump has been leading the organization since its inception in 1984, and members of the group’s executive committee said they would soon be releasing information on the job search that will begin this month. The board hopes to have Plump’s replacement hired by August.

“We appreciate the job Jim has done during his career,” said Kevin Gabbard, who serves as president of the JCIDC board of directors. “He has influenced so much growth around Jackson County. It’s hard to imagine our area without the major corporations that Jim helped recruit and helped to grow here.”

A native of Washington County, Indiana, Plump is a graduate of the University of Evansville and also graduated from the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. He achieved certified economic developer status in 1992 from the American Economic Development Council. He also was awarded the fellow member designation in 2013 and honorary life membership in 2019.

Plump served as founding president of the South Central Indiana Economic Development Region, is past president of the Indiana Economic Development Association and IEDA Foundation and serves on the board of directors of the Japan-America Society of Indiana.

In 2004, he was designated as a Sagamore of the Wabash by then Indiana Governor Joe Kernan, and in 2018, he was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award by the IEDA during the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration.

Kentucky Residents Arrested in Cross-State Child Abuse Investigation

Two residents from Smiths Grove, Kentucky — Aurora Hamilton, 21, and Benjamin Reale, 18 — have been arrested and charged in connection with a severe case of infant abuse that began in Indiana.
How the Case Began
On April 23, 2026, Indiana State Police received a call from the Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post after a family member in Salem, Indiana, reported that the parents of a two-month-old infant had dropped the child off at their home. The infant was found with severe injuries and was immediately taken to St. Vincent Hospital in Indiana.Due to the severity of the injuries, the child was later airlifted to Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville.
Arrest and Charges
Investigators quickly determined the abuse likely occurred at the parents’ residence in Kentucky, prompting a multi-agency cross-border investigation. Kentucky State Police and Indiana State Police obtained arrest warrants for Hamilton and Reale, who were booked into the Jackson County Jail in Indiana.
They face preliminary Kentucky charges of:
Endangering the Welfare of a Minor
Criminal Abuse in the 1st Degree (Victim Under 12)

Under Kentucky Revised Statutes, Criminal Abuse in the 1st Degree is a Class B felony if intentional, carrying a potential sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison.
Investigation Details:
The case involved coordination between:Salem Police Department
Indiana State Police (Sellersburg Post)
Kentucky State Police
Washington County, Jackson County, and Lawrence County Sheriff’s Departments.

Current Status

Hamilton and Reale are awaiting extradition to Kentucky for further court proceedings. The investigation is ongoing, and specific details about the infant’s condition have not been released due to privacy laws and the nature of the case .

MADISON MAN DECEASED AFTER BRIEF STANDOFF WITH POLICE |
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 3:47 PM, MPD Officers were dispatched to an aggravated battery with a deadly weapon in the 1900 block of Wolf Trails Drive. Officers located a female with lacerations to her head. Officers learned the identity of the alleged attacker. The female was taken by ambulance for treatment at Kings Daughters Hospital.
MPD Officers located the suspect at a residence in the 1900 block of Adams Drive. Officers were allowed into the residence by the homeowner, and located the suspect, identified as Clinton Toland, 50 of Madison, Indiana. The Officers encountered Clinton in a hallway and directed him to come towards them. Clinton quickly brandished a handgun before entering a bathroom and locking the door. Within seconds, Officers heard what they believed to be a gunshot.
Additional Officers from MPD, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Indiana State Police arrived on scene. After forcing the bathroom door open, Clinton was located deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
No Officers discharged their weapons during the incident. The Madison Police Department would like to thank our partners at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police for their quick response and assistance.

Area Suspects Arrested in Johnson County Child Exploitation Sting

A multi-agency child exploitation sting operation in Johnson County, Indiana, led to the arrest of 19 men over a three-day period from April 21–23, 2026.

The operation, part of ongoing efforts since 2019 to identify and arrest online child predators, involved Johnson County Sheriff’s deputies, Franklin, Bargersville, Greenfield, and Westfield police, along with the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office.

Among those taken into custody were residents from Columbus, Greenwood, and Franklin:
Michael W. Roney, 62, Columbus – charged with child solicitation and patronizing a prostitute.

Chukwuma L. Offor, 38, Greenwood – charged with child solicitation and patronizing a prostitute.

Lal R. Bawla, 44, Greenwood – charged with child solicitation and patronizing a prostitute.

Michael R. Gallagher, 45, Franklin – charged with child solicitation

Other suspects came from as far away as Tampa, Florida and Oklahoma .

Charges and Context:

All 19 suspects face Level 4 felony child solicitation charges. Some also face additional offenses such as patronizing a prostitute, providing obscenity/pornography, resisting law enforcement, and drug possession. Authorities emphasized that these crimes do not have a single profile — suspects come from diverse backgrounds and professions.

Law Enforcement Response:

Johnson County Sheriff Duane E. Burgess praised the strong partnerships between agencies, calling the operation a “powerful example” of coordinated efforts to protect children.
Law Enforcement Response

. The Sheriff’s Office urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant, educate children about online safety, and report any suspected child exploitation to local law enforcement.

Fatal Single-Vehicle Crash on U.S. Highway 31 in Seymour

Deputy Isaiah Thomas with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department responded to a reported personal injury motorvehicle collision in the area aproxomitly at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at 779 North U.S. Highway 31 in Seymour.

Upon arrival, first responders determined the incident involved a single vehicle, and the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The fatal single-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 31 in Seymour, Indiana, occurred on Thursday evening. The driver, 42-year-old Earl Vaught, was traveling southbound when his vehicle left the roadway, overcorrected, crossed both lanes of traffic, and struck a culvert or driveway. The impact caused the vehicle to become airborne for approximately 116 feet before rolling multiple times and coming to rest on the side of the road. Vaught was pronounced dead at the scene by the Jackson County Coroner’s Office. The crash remains under investigation by the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department

FRONT PAGE

Seymour Couple Released After False Allegations

We would like to know who made the false allegations in the first place causing this page and dozens of other news media and TV stations to run a false article on this couple.
Although we did not originate this falsity we humbly apologize just the same .
We source our news in much the same way other outlets do relying on such agencies such as the Indiana State Police of who helped to disseminated the original release to the public.

Again.Our most sincere apologies.We know when to step up when wrong.Although not our fault but the article proved wrong in the end.

UPDATE:

A couple from Seymour, Indiana — Farron J. Dyer, 30, and Raven N. Dyer, 29 — were initially arrested in April 2026 on multiple felony charges after allegations of child abuse were reported to the Indiana Department of Child Services Indiana State Police launched a nearly two‑week investigation, during which they found evidence suggesting the couple molested and battered a juvenile earlier in the year

The Dyers were booked in the Jackson County Jail on preliminary charges of Child Molesting, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Neglect of a Dependent, and Battery . They were held pending formal charges and scheduled for an initial appearance in Jackson County Circuit Court

However, according to the latest available reports, the couple has since been released following the determination that the allegations were false The release came after Indiana State Police concluded the investigation and dropped the charges, though the exact date of release and the official statement from authorities are not detailed in the provided sources.

The Dyers are listed as directors of the iCare Food Ministry for Seymour Harvest Church . The case remains notable for the swift reversal of charges after the investigation, which underscores the importance of thorough review in child abuse allegations.

If you need the most up‑to‑date confirmation, you can check the Indiana State Police or Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office for official statements or court records.

Trump Reclassifies Medical Marijuana as Less Dangerous

President Donald Trump’s acting attorney general on Thursday signed an order reclassifying state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, a major policy shift long sought by advocates who said cannabis should never have been treated like heroin by the federal government.

The order signed by Todd Blanche does not legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use under U.S. law. But it does change the way it’s regulated, shifting licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I — reserved for drugs without medical use and with high potential for abuse — to the less strictly regulated Schedule III. It also gives licensed medical marijuana operators a major tax break and eases some barriers to researching cannabis.

Trump told his administration in December to work as quickly as possible to reclassify marijuana. On Saturday, as the Republican president signed an unrelated executive order about psychedelics, he seemed to express frustration that it was taking so long.

Blanche said Thursday that the Department of Justice was “delivering on President Trump’s promise” to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options. “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information,” he said in a statement.

Blanche’s action Iargely legitimizes medical marijuana programs in the 40 states that have adopted them. It sets up an expedited system for state-licensed medical marijuana producers and distributors to register with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

It makes clear that cannabis researchers won’t be penalized for obtaining state-licensed marijuana or marijuana-derived products for use in their work, and it grants state-licensed medical marijuana companies a windfall by allowing them, for the first time, to deduct business expenses on their federal taxes.

Any marijuana-derived medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration is similarly listed in Schedule III, it said.

The order represents a major policy shift for the U.S. government, which has continued its longstanding marijuana prohibition — dating to the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937 — even as nearly all the states have approved cannabis use in some form.

Two dozen states plus Washington, D.C., have authorized adult recreational use of marijuana, 40 have medical marijuana systems, and eight others allow low-THC cannabis or CBD oil for medical use. Only Idaho and Kansas ban marijuana outright.

The regulation of medical marijuana has come a long way since California became the first state to adopt it in 1996, Blanche wrote.

“Today the vast majority of States maintain comprehensive licensing frameworks governing cultivation, processing, distribution, and dispensing of marijuana for medical purposes,” Blanche wrote. “Taken as a whole, they demonstrate a sustained capacity to achieve the public-interest objectives … including protecting public health and safety and preventing the diversion of controlled substances into illicit channels.”

Marijuana or marijuana-derived products that are not distributed through a state medical marijuana program will continue to be classified in Schedule I. The Trump administration is launching a new administrative hearing process beginning in June to consider the broader rescheduling of marijuana.

Schedule III drugs are defined as having moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Some critics of the industry have suggested that legalization in the states has led to stronger and stronger cannabis products, which need to be researched rather than categorized less strictly than before.

The Justice Department under President Joe Biden, a Democrat, had proposed to reclassify marijuana, eliciting nearly 43,000 formal public comments. The Drug Enforcement Administration was still in the review process when Trump succeeded Biden in January, and Trump ordered that process to move along as quickly as legally possible.

Blanche’s order sidestepped the review process by relying on a provision of federal law that allows the attorney general to determine the appropriate classification for drugs that the U.S. must regulate pursuant to an international treaty.

It was unclear how the order might affect operations in states where licensed recreational marijuana shops also sell to medical patients. In Washington state, which in 2012 became one of the first states to legalize the adult use of marijuana, 302 of 460 licensed stores have endorsements allowing them to sell tax-free cannabis products to registered patients.

Many Republicans oppose loosening marijuana restrictions. More than 20 Republican senators, several of them staunch Trump allies, signed a letter last year urging the president to keep the current standards.

Trump has made his crusade against other drugs, especially fentanyl, a feature of his second term, ordering U.S. military attacks on Venezuelan and other boats the administration insists are ferrying drugs. He signed another executive order declaring fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction.

Bloomington Ends Flock Camera Contract, Sparks Debate Over License Plate Tracking in Indiana

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — City officials in Bloomington have decided to end their contract with Flock Safety, a move that is now drawing attention across Indiana as questions grow about how license plate tracking technology is used and regulated.

The cameras, known as automatic license plate readers (ALPRs), are designed to capture images of passing vehicles and compare them against law enforcement databases. Police agencies across the country have used the technology to help locate stolen vehicles, identify suspects, and assist in criminal investigations.

Bloomington’s decision follows months of review and public discussion surrounding how the systems collect, store, and share data. City leaders acknowledged the role the cameras can play in solving crimes but emphasized the need for clear limitations and public safeguards.

Advocates with Eyes Off Indiana say the move highlights a larger issue—Indiana currently has no consistent statewide standards governing how ALPR data is handled.

“While these tools can support legitimate public safety efforts, they must operate within clear, enforceable standards,” said Executive Director Walker Lasbury. “Right now, those standards vary widely depending on where you are.”

Without statewide guidance, policies can differ from one community to another, including how long data is stored, who has access to it, and how information may be shared between agencies.

Eyes Off Indiana is calling on lawmakers to establish clear rules that would limit data retention, restrict sharing with private entities, and require transparency in how the technology is used.

Bloomington officials said their review found the technology can be effective in certain cases but warned it must be used with “narrow parameters, strong accountability, and clear public safeguards” to maintain public trust.

With the 2027 legislative session on the horizon, the issue is expected to draw increased attention as communities across the state weigh the benefits of modern policing tools against concerns about privacy and oversight.

Bloomington’s decision could serve as an early signal of a broader debate taking shape across Indiana—one that may ultimately determine how far the use of license plate tracking technology is allowed to go.

RIPLEY COUNTY INDIANA

Man Charged with Attempted Murder of Indiana State Police Sergeant

Below is the narrative of a press release issued by Ripley County (Indiana) Prosecutor Ric Hertel announcing formal charges being filed on Larry W. Webster II for an incident that occurred on November 19, 2025 that resulted in serious injuries to Sgt. David Meyer, Indiana State Police-Versailles Post. Webster is already facing multiple charges in Jefferson County, Indiana due to an incident that happened shortly before he was encountered by Sgt. Meyer.

(Versailles, Indiana) – Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney Ric Hertel announces that Larry W. Webster II, age 46, has been charged with Attempted Murder, a Level 1 Felony, and with being a Habitual Offender, in connection with a November 19, 2025 attack on Indiana State Police Sergeant David Meyer that left him with injuries requiring major surgery. In addition to the Ripley County charges, Webster has also been charged with Attempted Murder and Habitual Offender in Jefferson County arising from the same series of events.

State of Indiana v. Larry W. Webster II – Attempted Murder, Level 1 Felony / Habitual Offender

On the afternoon of November 19, 2025, Jefferson County 911 received multiple calls reporting a crash at the intersection of US 421 and Michigan Road. A witness observed a pickup truck intentionally strike a minivan stopped at the intersection, run over the driver as he stood outside his vehicle, and then strike him a second time. The victim was transported to Norton Kings’ Daughter’s Hospital with serious injuries. Based on the victim and witness descriptions, law enforcement identified Webster’s 1991 Chevrolet C1500 as the suspect vehicle and located it in a nearby parking area, where front-end damage and red paint transfer consistent with the victim’s vehicle were noted.

ISP Sergeant David Meyer located Webster on foot on Old Michigan Road, approximately one mile from where the truck was found. When Sgt. Meyer approached, Webster attacked and assaulted without warning — forcing him into the roadside ditch, pinning him to the ground, and driving his fingers into the sergeant’s eye sockets — and attempted to seize Sgt. Meyer’s firearm. A passing motorist intervened and pulled Webster off. Sgt. Meyer suffered a broken shoulder requiring complete shoulder replacement surgery.

The information presented in this release is drawn directly from sworn Probable Cause Affidavits filed in both Ripley County and Jefferson County Circuit Courts.

The charges described above are merely allegations. Larry W. Webster II is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

This case is being prosecuted by Ripley County Prosecuting Attorney Ric Hertel. The investigation in both Ripley County and Jefferson County was conducted by Detective Vincent M. Scott of the Indiana State Police.

JACKSON COUNTY

Markjen C Alojado has been charged in Jackson Co Circuit Court with a level 3 child molesting charge.

The charge was filed on 4/16/26 by Jackson Co prosecutor

Lynsey Fleetwoods department .

The charge – 35-42-4-3(a)/F3: Child Molesting-Basic Child Molesting offense was filed on 4/10/26

Alojando is being held in the Jackson Co jail pending court appearance .

Two arrested after theft of Jeeps, chases on Interstate 74

April 21, 2026

Authorities were involved in two high-speed police chases Friday on Interstate 74 at State Road 46, both involving stolen Jeep Wranglers and drivers from Dayton, Ohio.

According to the Greensburg Police Department, the first chase began on the interstate after dispatchers were alerted to a stolen Jeep. Greensburg, Decatur County deputies and other agencies caught up to the vehicle which nearly caused several accidents in the construction zone on the interstate. After getting off the interstate at State Road 3, the driver entered the Interstate again and ended when the vehicle hit tire deflation devices. The driver swerved trying to avoid the devices, nearly striking a deputy.

While that chase was already ongoing, a second chase started near New Point with a stolen Jeep involving Ripley County deputies. Greensburg and Decatur County deputies joined that chase and the driver led police through Batesville and into Franklin County. That’s where the driver crashed and then tried to run away from authorities.

The drivers have been identified as 19-year-old Dreonne McComb and 23-year-old Tayvion M. Hill-Ware, both of Dayton.

According to the Decatur County Jail records, McComb is facing preliminary charges of resisting law enforcement with a vehicle, possession of stolen property, battery with a deadly weapon, criminal recklessness, reckless driving in a work zone and operating a vehicle without ever receiving a license.

SALEM IN-4/19/26
Teen charged with reckless homicide after 14-year-old shot to death in southern Indiana

— A 14-year-old boy was arrested and charged with reckless homicide after another 14-year-old was shot and killed in southern Indiana.

According to Indiana State Police, the shooting happened just after 7 p.m. Sunday at a home on East Oak Drive in Salem. Officers from the Salem Police Department responded to the scene and found a deceased juvenile male, ISP said in a news release.

State police detectives and crime scene investigators were called in to assist with the investigation, which led to the arrest of a 14-year-old boy at the scene.

The 14-year-old was charged with reckless homicide and taken to the Allen County Juvenile Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Due to his age, the teen’s name won’t be released.

An autopsy was performed Monday morning in Salem as the investigation continues. ISP said no additional information would be released at this time.

Police: Man leaps from interstate bridge in Greensburg

April 16, 2026

A man was seriously injured in Greensburg Wednesday after leaping from an overpass onto Interstate 74.

According to the Greensburg Police Department, officers were called to the interstate at about 3:08 p.m. Wednesday on a report of an injured person on the highway. When police arrived witnesses said that the man had jumped from the overpass. They shut down the highway for several hours while the man was treated and then flown by Lifeline helicopter to an Indianapolis hospital trauma center.

Police say that they have identified the man but they are not releasing his name.

Also assisting at the scene were Greensburg Fire Department, Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Decatur County medics, Shelbyville Fire Department, TDS Wrecker Service and Decatur County Animal Control

Authorities say that if someone you know is struggling or in crisis, there are several ways to get confidential support around the clock. You can reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.