Yesterday, February 21, 2023, Troopers from the Indiana State Police Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested a Columbus, Indiana man on numerous charges related to the Possession of Child Pornography after serving a search warrant at his Bartholomew County residence.

The investigation began in September 2022 after a cyber tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Using investigative techniques, Detectives determined that images depicting child pornography had been possessed by Kevin Ray Batman, age 61, in rural Bartholomew County, Indiana.

The investigation led to troopers obtaining a search warrant for Batman’s residence. 

During the search warrant being served yesterday, additional evidence of Possession of Child Pornography/Child Exploitation was located. 

Batman was arrested and transported to the Bartholomew County Jail where he was incarcerated on initial charges of Possession of Child Pornography, Level 5 Felony (7 counts), and Possession of Child Pornography, Level 4 Felony (1 Count).  Kevin Batman will soon make an initial appearance in the Bartholomew County Circuit Court.

Tuesday afternoon, February 21, at approximately 5:02 p.m., Trooper Hurley observed a four-wheeler traveling at a high rate of speed east on River Road approaching Main Street in Patoka.

The rider of the four-wheeler disregarded the stop sign at the intersection and continued south on Main Street.

Trooper Hurley recognized the rider as Riley Hill, 23, of Patoka. Trooper Hurley activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the four-wheeler, but Hill failed to stop and continued south at a high rate of speed.

Hill eventually left the roadway on the west side and rode through a field toward Hudson Road.

Trooper Hurley eventually found Hill hiding in a nearby junkyard. Hill was arrested without further incident and taken to the Gibson County Jail. He was later released after posting bond. The four-wheeler was also located and towed.

Arrested and Charges:

• Riley Hill, 23, Patoka, IN

1. Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony
2. Driving While Suspended, Class A Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Tanner Hurley, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Gibson County Sheriff’s Office

The Awareness Washington County Board announced that the 6^th annual Chili Cook Off will be held March 11 from 4-7 at Southern Hills Church, 

Competition is open to anyone interested, and cash prizes will be awarded in several categories. There will be a prize for the judged Best Red Chili as well as the judged Best White Chili. In addition, there are People’s Choice awards for Best Chili and Best Decorated booth. 

Interested chili cooks can register for the event by checking the website at www.awarenesswashingtoncounty.org or by contacting Marji Morris on FaceBook or by phone at 812-216-6505. 

“The event has become a social occasion,” said Morris. “Many people come at 4 and stay until the end to see who wins, although you don’t have to do that.” 

She continued, “Having a booth allows businesses to get themselves and their products or services in front of the public, just for the cost of their chili ingredients.” 

There will be a maximum of 14 teams, and guests can sample as many of the chilis as they can handle. 

Another feature of the event are the famous dessert auctions and the cookie cart. There will also be items available in the Silent Auction and the Bag Raffle.  

Admission to the event is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Chili, crackers, and a drink are all included in the admission along with ballots to vote for favorite chili and best decorated booth.  

Sponsorships for the event are available as well. Leader Publishing, WSLM, and Country Cookin’ are already signed up as sponsors.

Sponsors will be recognized in the media, on the AWC website, and on table tents during the event.