Coach’s Corner Podcast 03-29-2014
Coach’s Corner Podcast 03-29-2014
Two Arrested for Counterfeiting, Forgery at Convenience Stor
PERU, Ind. (April 10) – Indiana State Excise Police officers arrested two men today in their investigation into counterfeit goods and drug sales at a Peru convenience store.
Excise police arrested Amin Ali Saleh, 31, of Peru, on a warrant for counterfeiting, and Khalil Ali Saleh, 35, also of Peru, on a warrant for forgery and counterfeiting – all felonies – as part of their on-going investigation at Peru Stop & Go, 452 W. Main Street.
Store owner Amin Ali Saleh – who now faces the additional charge of counterfeiting – was arrested on preliminary charges of maintaining a common nuisance, possession of synthetic marijuana or a lookalike substance, dealing in synthetic marijuana or a lookalike substance and possession of drug paraphernalia on March 26.
A third man, Yassin Ali Shayef Saleh, 35, of Peru, remains wanted on preliminary charges of forgery and counterfeiting in connection with this investigation.
On March 26, State Excise Police and the Peru Police Department served a search warrant at Peru Stop & Go to look for evidence related to the sale of counterfeit goods. What turned into a four-month investigation into counterfeit goods and drug sales began when officers saw what appeared to be counterfeit merchandise in the store in Nov. 2013.
During their search last month, officers seized approximately 20 grams of suspected synthetic marijuana, hundreds of items of paraphernalia and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency from the BP-branded store.
Also on March 26, officers searched a residence at 6 N. Holman in Peru, where they also seized more suspected synthetic marijuana and an undisclosed amount of U.S. currency.
Anyone with information concerning violations of Indiana law anywhere that alcohol or tobacco products are sold should contact the State Excise Police at (765) 362-8815.
Officers were assisted by Miami County Prosecutor Bruce Embrey throughout their investigation.
As the enforcement division of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission, the primary mission of the Indiana State Excise Police is to promote public safety by enforcingIndiana’s Alcoholic Beverage Code. While excise officers have the authority to enforce any state law, they focus primarily on alcohol, tobacco and related laws.
Criminal Charges: All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Beware of Meth Lab Trash
With favorable spring weather coming our way, people are taking advantage by walking, jogging and bike riding on our local roadways. The potential exists that some people may come across trash left behind by those who have manufactured methamphetamine (meth). TheIndiana State Police Meth Suppression Section wants to remind citizens that this trash may contain chemicals that are toxic, flammable, corrosive, and acidic. The combination of these chemicals could cause an explosion, fire or burns if they come into direct contact with the skin.
The Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section, have identified some points for the public to keep in mind.
• Meth cooks are using a variety of containers to manufacture their product. A popular container is the one and a half gallon gas can. These cans appear to be new and have been found along the roadside by unknowing people who believe that they have found a new gas can and end up with a working meth lab.
• Other Items to be aware of include battery casings, Ziploc style bags, empty blister packs, and containers (pop-bottles, jars, etc.) that contain a granular material. They may or may not have a tube extending out of the top depending on whether it is a hydrochloric gas generator (HCL) or a one pot reaction. Both of these are extremely hazardous.
• Be aware of any type of cylinder found in an odd place (middle of a field, ditch line, wooded area) that has a modified valve. The valve will typically be modified in some way and will have a bright blue color to it. These cylinders are used to store or transport anhydrous ammonia, which is an extremely dangerous gas when direct contact or inhalation has occurred.
If someone comes across this type of trash, they should not handle it. Instead, contact the localIndiana State Police Post, which can be found at the following link: http://www.in.gov/isp/2382.htm .
Any questions or concerns about meth can be directed to the Meth Suppression Section at (877) 855-METH or online at www.meth.in.gov.
Seat Belt saves 16-year-olds life in crash
Earlier today at approximately 7:30 am, troopers from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg responded to a single vehicle crash along State Road #3 near the intersection of State Road #203 in Marysville, (rural Clark County).
When officers arrived they discovered a Silver 2001 Honda Civic, driven by Christopher J. Water, 16, of Charlestown, traveled off of the roadway striking numerous trees.
The driver received only minor injuries in a crash that could have been much worse if he had not been wearing his seat belt.
The driver, Christopher Water, advised officers that he had fallen to sleep while driving to school. When he fell asleep he veered off of the roadway striking numerous trees.
Trooper Phil D’Angelo, the officer working the crash, who is also a certified Crash Reconstructionist with the Indiana State Police stated,” no one knows for sure if the use of the seat belt saved his life but, I can guarantee that it lessened the severity of his injuries, and by looking at the damage to the vehicle he was driving, it is a miracle he was able to walk away from the crash.
Christopher Water was transported to Saint Catherine Hospital in Charlestown for follow up treatment due to a complaint of pain.
Jury convicts Goering of all six counts of sexual misconduct with a minor; sentencing May 2
A local jury was handed the case of Former Washington County Commissioner and Solid Waste District Manager Albert “Mike” Goering about 3:00p this afternoon and deliberated only about 4 hours before reaching a verdict. The Jury, made up a majority of men, returned guilty verdicts on all six counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Goering was returned to the Washington County Circuit Courtroom about 7:15p where he awaited his verdict, which came about 15 minutes later. The alleged acts involving a family friend who was under the age of 16, allegedly occurred in February 2013 on Goering’s Maple Syrup farm on Garrison Hollow Road.
The jury returned after approximately four hours of deliberation and foreman Benjamin Martin handed special judge from Harrison County Circuit Court John Evans six guilty verdicts.
Goering sat emotionless in the courtroom as the six guilty verdicts were read. Evans received assurance that the jurors approved of the verdict then accepted the charges for the state.
A pre-sentencing hearing was scheduled for May 2 at 9a but could re-scheduled after Dove said he has a serious conflict with that date.
Goering was arrested in March 2013 on five counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, and one count of attempted sexual misconduct with a minor, all Class B felonies.
The sheriff’s department received a complaint of sexual misconduct with a minor from a juvenile and her family on March 5. The victim was a family friend and was under the age of 16.
Deputy Jimmy Strange of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department was assigned to investigate and the Division of Child Services was informed of the allegation. A 12-day investigation resulted in information being obtained that led to the filing of charges.
Testimony continued today and attorneys entered their final arguments before handing the case to the jury before 3p.
A special prosecutor, Sonia Leerkamp from Hamilton County, argued the state’s case.
The line of defense pursued by Goering’s attorney, Mark Dove, was that he did not know the young lady was under the age of 16. Leerkamp was able to argue successfully that Goering was well aware of the young lady’s age. Leerkamp called a number of witnesses who were well acquainted with the minor and who verified the girl was under age 16 when the acts occurred.
After the verdict was read, Evans asked Dove if he had any objections to the ruling and he said not at this time.
Witnesses earlier in the week were questioned about the relationship between Goering and the minor and her family. According to Leane Whitaker, Goering’s ex-wife and who took the stand Wednesday afternoon, the two families first became acquainted in 1988, when the young lady’s mother was hired to help Whitaker with housework. The minor and members of her family also helped with the Maple Syrup Festival at the farm.
Both the victim and her mother were called to the witness box Wednesday as were several members of Goering’s family.
Questioning by both Dove and Leerkamp focused on the time frame of the events and how the relationship grew from a friendship into something more intimate.
Goering served as Washington County commissioner from 2001-09, and running on the Republican ticket. He also previously served as county engineer and was the county’s solid waste director at the time of his arrest. He was suspended from that position, without pay, pending the outcome of the legal process.
The Goering Maple Syrup farm was the largest producer of maple syrup in the state and continues to host a maple syrup festival, which attracts thousands to the Eastern Washington County farm.
21-year-old dies in late night accident
A 21-year-old Pekin man was pronounced dead at the scene of an auto accident in Campbellsburg last night after his truck left the road.
The Washington County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call at 11:14p last night relating to an accident on State Road 60 West and West Washington School Road.
According to Sheriff Claude Combs, William T. Burnett, 21, was operating a 1993 Ford Pickup Truck eastbound on State Road 60 West and left the north side of the road and struck a tree.
Burnett was pronounced dead at the scene by Washington County Coroner Rondale Brishaber.
Combs said the cause of the accident was still under investigat
Red P Meth Lab Busted in Early Morning Hours
Two from Washington County were arrested earlier this morning (Thursday, April 10) by the Indiana State Police and the Washington County Drug Task Force. The pair were operating a meth lab at 9875 South Bullington Road, which is just of West Washington School Road in Western Washington County near Fredericksburg.
Daniel Howard, 42, and Stephanie Trueblood, 29, were arrested and booked into the Washington County Detention Center, according to Washington County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Roger Newlon.
Howard, of 9599 South Bullington Road, was charged with manufacturing meth, possession of precursors, possession of meth, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of paraphernalia.
Trueblood, Salem, was charged with manufacturing meth, possession of precursors, possession of meth, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of paraphernalia.
According to Newlon, police found a Red P Lab along with other meth products. “The Red P stands for Red Phosphorous, which is just another recipe for making meth. One of the bad things about the internet is the availability of all the recipes for making meth. It’s very accessible, unfortunately.”
Newlon said the pair had not been brought before the judge to hear their charges and have their bond set.
Help Find Stolen Log Skidder and Earn Cash
On 03-27-2014, a detective from the Indiana State Police Post at Sellersburg was contacted by a farmer and logger in Washington County in reference to a log skidder being stolen. The victim stated he had been using the skidder logging trees off State Road #135 near the Blue River Bridge. This location is about three miles north of Palmyra.
The log skidder, a John Deere 540D, (photo attached), was parked at the logging site in view from State Road #135.
The skidder disappeared after the date of March 24th. A witness stated he saw a pickup truck and a white day cab semi-tractor and flatbed trailer loading the skidder at the worksite, (only descriptions available). The witness stated he saw this on March 26th in the afternoon hours. The witness thought it was the owner of the skidder and never called police. The skidder has a value in excess of $25,000.00.
If anyone has any information on the stolen skidder you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers of Kentuckiana at (502)582-CLUE, (2583). Calls can be made collect and callers can remain anonymous. Information leading to the recovery of the stolen skidder and arrest and conviction of the alleged thieves can be worth up to $1,000.00.
Callers can also contact Indiana State Police Detective Scott Stewart at 1-800-872-6743.
Dogwood Queen and Junior Miss entries due April 11
The Dogwood Festival Queen Contest and Junior Miss competition entry deadline is Friday, April 11.
The Queen Contest has long been the kickoff ceremony to start the festival. The contest will be Saturday, April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Orleans Elementary School.
Jr. Miss Contestants must be in grades 7-8 and Queen Candidates must be in grades 9-12.
Candidates must have a sponsor, as well as a $45 sponsor fee.
A complete listing of rules and entry information can be picked up at Fifth Third Bank, Orleans Town Hall or in the Orleans High School principal’s office or on the festival website at www.orleansdogwoodfestival.com.
For more information, please contact the event’s chairperson, Kimberly Fletcher, at (812) 620-4131 or by email at kim.hopper@ymail.com.
