On Thursday, January 12, 2023, Senior Trooper Richard Klun was able to utilize a multitude of investigatory techniques to locate the whereabouts of Justin S. Lacey, a 30-year-old male from Orleans who was wanted on multiple active felony warrants.

The investigation led officers to a residence in Mitchell.

Once at the residence, the officers met Velma M. Hall, a 67-year-old female from Mitchell, her daughter, Nikki K. Bundy, a 43-year-old female from Mitchell, and a juvenile child.

Hall and Bundy advised that Lacey was not at the residence and consent to search the home for Lacey was denied by Hall, the homeowner.

Due to probable cause that led officers to the residence, a warrant was requested through the Lawrence County Courts and was granted.

Upon the search warrant being issued, officers located Lacey attempting to hide underneath a bed.

Also during the execution of the search warrant, officers also located alleged methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia, and a loaded handgun.

The juvenile child was released to the Department of Child Services while Bundy and Lacey were both arrested and transported to the Lawrence County Jail on the following charges,

Nikki K. Bundy
-Possession of Methamphetamine w/Firearm, a Level 5 Felony
-Obstruction of Justice, a Level 6 Felony
-Assisting a Criminal, a Level 6 Felony
-Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor

Justin S.Lacey
-Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony
-Possession of Marijuana, a Class B Misdemeanor
-Active Felony Warrants

This is an open investigation and future charges may be forthcoming once reviewed by the Lawrence County Prosecutors Office.

Senior Trooper Klun was assisted by Indiana State Troopers Tyler Trueblood, Caleb Garvin, Cody Brown, Matthew Hatchett & K9 Axe. ISP was also assisted by Mitchell Police Officers Michael Bargo and Josh Turner; Sheriff Greg Day, Corporal Brenton Trueblood, and Deputy Travis Atchison from the Lawrence County Sheriff Department; Lawrence County Prosecutor’s Chief Investigator Ryan Duckett, and the Indiana Department of Child Services.

All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Indiana Department of Transportation contractor Milestone Contractors LP plans to continue work next week on the $13.2 million roadway construction project in Salem.

State Road 56 is scheduled to close to thru traffic at the S.R. 60 intersection on or after Monday, January 16 to begin utility relocation work.

Additional reconstruction work will follow this spring. 

Thru traffic will remain detoured onto S.R. 135 and U.S. 150 through Palmyra and Paoli. 

Motorists should expect delays in the area. Although much of the first portion of the project is finished, SR 56 from Main Street will remain closed until a final layer of asphalt is applied at the end of the project.

Construction is expected to be complete in fall of 2023.

High, Shelby and North Harrison intersections have been opened to allow traffic to and from Salem Schools.

Drivers are reminded to slow down, use extra caution, and drive distraction-free in and near construction zones. All work is weather dependent, and schedules are subject to change.