On March 12, 2021, First Sergeant Keith Hartman received information of possible neglect to an elderly person in Scottsburg being cared for at their home. The elderly person was hospitalized after a welfare check was completed by deputies.
After completing an investigation and sharing the investigation with the Scott County Prosecutor’s Office the decision was made to charge two people for Neglect charges.
As a result of charges being filed arrest warrants were issued for the two suspects. On April 8, 2021, First Sergeant John Hartman, Deputy Eric Balingit, Corporal Johnney Coomer and a Scottsburg City Police Officer went to a local business in Scottsburg in an attempt to locate the suspects.
As a result, both suspects were located and arrested. Barbara Lowe, 45, of Scottsburg, was arrested for the arrest warrants for two counts of Neglect of a Dependent Causing Bodily Injury and received additional charges of Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Visiting a Common Nuisance, Possession of Paraphernalia and Possession of Cocaine or a Schedule I or II Narcotic Drug At Least 5 Grams but Less Than 10 Grams.
Ryan Smith, 40, of Scottsburg, was arrested for the arrest warrants for two counts of Neglect of a Dependent Causing Bodily Injury and received additional charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Cocaine or a Schedule I or II Narcotic Drug At Least 5 Grams but Less Than 10 Grams.
Sheriff Goodin praised his deputy’s dedication and the effort they gave in getting justice for our elderly. One of Sheriff Goodin’s main priorities as Sheriff is protecting our elderly as he has increased training and knowledge of investigating and identifying elderly crimes. He went on to ask anyone who knows of an elderly person who is being abused or needs assistance to contact his office and report it.
