Thomas, Victor
Battery w/ Injury
Deweese, Jessica
Unlawful Possession of a Syringe
Stivers, Sierra
Possession of Methamphetamine
Unlawful Possession of a Syringe
Gardner, Hunter
Resisting Law Enforcement
Failure to Appear
The Indiana Department of Transportation announces a two-phased paving project for State Road 66 between Hardinsburg and Milltown.
Beginning on or around Monday, Sept. 27, INDOT maintenance crews will begin the first phase of this project. Workers will be replacing nine culvert pipes on S.R. 66 in advance of the contract paving project. During this phase, maintenance crews will be working between U.S. 150 and S.R. 64.
In the areas where the pipes are being replaced, the road will be completely closed for pavement cuts, excavation, pipe replacement and backfill. Crews will be working from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily in various locations near the following intersections:
Each culvert pipe is expected to take a few hours and during operations, local traffic will have access up to the point of closure. Through traffic should use the official detour following S.R. 64, S.R. 135, and U.S. 150.
Following the pipe replacements, beginning on or after Monday, Oct. 4, contractors will begin paving between U.S. 150 and S.R. 64. Workers will perform milling and paving while also replacing shoulder stones. This project will be done under lane closure with flaggers to control traffic.
The pavement project is expected to last until mid-November, depending upon weather conditions. Lane width will be restricted to 11-feet. Wider loads should use the official detour following S.R. 64, S.R. 135, and U.S. 150.
INDOT urges drivers to slow down and stay alert near crews.
A federal grand jury in Indianapolis returned indictments charging nine people with various charges including several counts of distribution of controlled substances, money laundering, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
At the end of 2020, the FBI and the IRS-CI started an investigation on possible drug dealing and money laundering activities being conducted in Indianapolis. During the investigation, agents discovered that individuals from California and Mexico were sending methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl to an individual in Indianapolis. The person in Indianapolis, along with others would then sell the drugs in the Indianapolis area and send money back to California. Over $780,000 was exchanged during this investigation.
During the arrests, search warrants were also executed at various locations. In total, 15 handguns, 3 rifles, 2 shotguns, $42,000, 274 grams of cocaine, and 150 pounds of marijuana were seized. Four vehicles were also seized.
Those charged are as follows:
If convicted, those charged with money laundering face up to 20 years imprisonment, $250,000 fine and up to 3 years supervised release. If convicted, those charged with distribution of controlled substances face 10 years to life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, and not less than 5 years supervised release. Jerzon Herrera also faces an additional 20-year imprisonment, $1,000,000 fine and not less than 3 years supervised release for his distribution of cocaine charge. Martin Herrera-Diaz Jr. also faces an additional 10 years to life imprisonment, $10,000,000 fine, and no less than 5 years supervised release for the possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress of the Southern District of Indiana, FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Paul Keenan, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Tamera Cantu of IRS-CI’s Chicago Field Office made the announcement.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Michelle P. Brady is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF)
investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
Taylor Kniel Smith, 40, Campbellsburg
Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter has announced the promotion of Trooper Shaun Rawlins to the rank of Sergeant to serve as a District Squad Leader for the Bloomington Post. Sgt. Rawlins earned this promotion through written testing and a competitive interview process.
Sgt. Rawlins graduated from Mooresville High School in 2002 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Anderson University where he also played football. In 2007, he was selected to attend and graduated from the 68th Indiana State Police Recruit Academy located in Plainfield, IN. After graduation, he was assigned to the Putnamville Post working primarily in Hendricks County, and then in 2010 after district consolidations, he was transferred to the Indianapolis District where he worked the southwest zone. He has served the department as a member of the Tactical Intervention Platoon for ten years along with being a Control Tactics Instructor, and a Field Training Officer.
As a Squad Leader, Sgt. Rawlins’s new responsibilities include supervising and evaluating a squad of troopers who patrol the Bloomington District. Lt. Bucher, Commander of the Bloomington District stated, “We welcome Sgt. Rawlins to the District, he truly represents the values of the Indiana State Police and I believe his experience and knowledge will be an asset in his new role.”
He and his wife Alicia live in Morgan County and have two children. Rawlins is active in his community by volunteering his time coaching local youth sports and also sits on the board of directors for his community’s youth football program.
Having served 15 years as Washington County Prosecutor – longer than any other person to fill that position – Dustin Houchin said it’s time to close this chapter of his career.
“I don’t think it’s healthy for the system to have a lifetime prosecutor,” he said. “I’ve accomplished the goals I set. I was elected to four terms; more than anyone ever in the county. I’m proud of that and I think four terms is enough.”
Houchin hopes to remain involved in the Washington County justice system in another capacity. He has decided to seek the position of Superior Court Judge after current Judge Frank Newkirk Jr. announced his pending retirement.
Four terms as Prosecutor has given him the opportunity to gain legal experience and develop the work ethic, skills and focus necessary to be a successful judge, he said.
“I am a better person for having been a prosecutor for 15 years. That’s a gift the people of Washington County gave me,” he said. “I’m a stronger, more skilled lawyer and I’ve handled tens of thousands of cases. That preparation and experience are not easy to get.”
Houchin said serving as Prosecutor has made him a far more compassionate person as he has witnessed the spectrum of human imperfection.
Just 26 years old when he was first elected in 2006, Houchin said he fully appreciates that voters took a chance on a young attorney. “I felt the pressure to deliver,” he said. “I vowed to use the time I had to make the Prosecutor’s Office the kind of office the County deserved to have.”
Houchin took office following a long line of one-term prosecutors. He wanted to build the public’s trust and he wanted to establish continuity and stability. His first goal was to establish a good working relationship with law enforcement at all levels. “I wanted state and federal agencies to want to work here,” he explained. “We’re a small office with limited resources; we need the help of everybody.”
Houchin said his focus on law enforcement has resulted in an environment of mutual trust and respect. That has translated to good investigations, solid cases, and justice for victims.
Several important areas have received increased attention during Houchin’s tenure. Drug enforcement and prosecution have substantially increased. Sex offender registry oversight has been established resulting in dozens of convictions for offenders not properly registering.
Also, the adult protective services unit has expanded from one investigator to three, utilizing state grants. Finally, Washington County’s child support collection rate is above state and national averages every year and is among the top in the state.
Houchin noted, though, that the most important function of his office is to prosecute cases. That entails functioning at a high level, beginning with an investigation and culminating at trial. He has focused on making himself and his deputies highly proficient with an emphasis on using technology for both investigations and trial presentations. The office has prosecuted dozens of jury trials under Houchin’s leadership. “We are known for delivering justice for victims, and I am proud of that,” said Houchin.
Prosecutor Houchin is hopeful that his successful legacy will continue with one of his team members taking over the office. Houchin said he is encouraging Deputy Prosecutor, Tara Coats Hunt to seek office. “Tara has been with me every step of the way over the last five years, and she is more than capable of taking the reins and making the office even better,” said Houchin. “I hope the citizens of Washington County will put their trust in Tara, just as they have done for me.”
Houchin said he’s now ready for a new challenge—Superior Court Judge.
Houchin believes the court provides a community service. “I truly see it that way. Like all governments, the judge is providing a service. Put simply, the Judge must decide and the Judge must lead.”
I believe when people come to court they’re looking first and foremost for a decision. They want an answer,” he said. “The judge must provide a clear, decisive answer in a timely manner: so people can move on with their lives; so businesses can have certainty; so landlords and tenants know what next month looks like; so victims can feel protected. I’ll have a real focus on providing that service and certainty to the community.”
Houchin also said a judge is responsible as a leader, ensuring that everybody in the legal system is performing, from attorneys to staff to service/treatment providers and vendors to the court. “It’s the judge’s role to make sure that if you’re connected to the court, you do your job competently and are held accountable if you don’t. Only the judge can do that. You have to provide that leadership.”
Having moved with his wife, Erin, back to the county when he began practicing law, Houchin said he is committed to making the community a better place. He wants to ensure the county is safe for all families who call it home. “We have a beautiful, generous, faithful, safe, and vibrant community here. I feel an obligation to do my part. This is a way I can” he said. “I know the justice system and ways I believe I can make it better. I feel compelled to do that.”
A 42-Year Old Pekin woman was found unresponsive in a field in the area of 50 East Mill Street in Pekin last Thursday.
According to Washington County Sheriff Brent Miller, police were dispatched at approximately 7:53 pm on Thursday, September 16 in reference to an unresponsive adult female.
The female was found by a neighbor, lying in a grass field behind 50 E. Mill Street.
The neighbor called 911, while the neighbor’s father began to perform C.P.R. on the female, who was identified as Tammy Weidner, age 42 of Pekin, Indiana.
Weidner was transported to St. Vincent Salem Emergency Room by the Washington County Ambulance Service, where she was later pronounced deceased.
Sheriff Brent Miller requested assistance from Detectives and Crime Scene Investigators with the Indiana State Police.
Video surveillance from the area was reviewed to determine that foul play is not suspected in the death of Weidner.
It was determined that Weidner died from natural causes.
Sergeant Matt Hein is the lead investigator and was assisted by Deputy Tory Hildreth, Sheriff Brent Miller, Indiana State Police, Pekin Town Marshal Jeff Thomas, Washington County Ambulance Service, Pierce/Polk Volunteer Fire Department, and the Washington County Coroner’s Office.
Steven Joseph Davisson, age 63, of Salem, Indiana passed away Sunday, September 19, 2021 at his residence.
Steve was the Indiana State Representative for District 73 since 2010.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 24, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at Salem Church of the Nazarene.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 23, from 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Hughes-Taylor Funeral Home-Salem Chapel and on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service at the church.
Governor Eric Holcomb has ordered that flags at the Statehouse and in all of the counties in which any part of House District 73 is located be lowered to half staff on Friday from sunrise to sunset.
As a result, flags will be lowered throughout Clark, Harrison, Jackson, Lawrence, Orange, and Washington Counties.
Donations may be made to the Washington County Community Foundation, P.O. Box 50, Salem, Indiana in order to create a fund in Steve’s honor.
