Indiana Department of Transportation contractor E&B Paving Inc. plans to close the S.R. 256 bridge over the Muscatatuck River in Jefferson County (approximately five miles west of S.R. 62) on or after Monday, April 12, for a bridge deck overlay project.

The bridge will remain closed for up to 90 days, through mid-July, with an official detour of S.R. 56 to S.R. 3.

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

Note: Rogers Road/C.R. 850 W. is planned to remain open during construction.

On Friday evening, authorities learned that the female suspect arrested on multiple drug charges on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, had provided false information about her identity at the time of her arrest and book-in at the Washington County Jail.  

The suspect listed as Carolyn Beatty is actually Marcia Pearl Thompson, 59, of Madison, Indiana.

Officers learned that Marcia Thompson provided false information and provided her sister’s identity at the time of the arrest. Marcia Thompson was wanted on a Theft warrant from Decatur County at the time of her arrest and is now additionally charged with Identity Deception, a Level 6 Felony, and False Informing, an A Misdemeanor. 

At approximately three o’clock Tuesday afternoon, Troopers Eric Powers and Kyle Taylor went to 104 Teressa Street in Salem to locate 39-year-old Michael Anthony Marino. Marino was wanted for Battery.

After a brief search, Trooper Powers found Michael Marino hiding in a bedroom closet.

As Powers attempted to take Marino into custody, he observed Michael Marino throw an item underneath a nearby bed.

That item was later identified as methamphetamine. An approximate total of 3.5 grams of methamphetamine was eventually located.  

Around 10 pm that same evening, Trooper Kyle Taylor stopped a Ford Ranger truck for speeding and a taillight violation near College Avenue and Cherry Street.

The driver was identified as Shannon Bell, 48, of Campbellsburg, Indiana.

The passenger was identified as Carolyn Sue Beatty, 60, of Madison, Indiana. Trooper Taylor observed Bell throw an object towards a nearby house as Bell stepped from the vehicle.

Bell was detained and found to have an arrest warrant for possession of methamphetamine.

The object was located and identified as methamphetamine. During a subsequent vehicle search, Trooper Taylor located a second bag of methamphetamine on the passenger floorboard.

Several syringes, drug paraphernalia, and marijuana were also found in the search. The methamphetamine totaled approximately 12 grams.  

As a result of both investigations, the three subjects were arrested and charged as follows: 

Michael A. Marino: 

1. Battery(Warrant) – Level 6 Felony
2. Dealing in Methamphetamine over 1 gram – Level 3 Felony
3. Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 5 Felony
4. Possession of Paraphernalia – A Misdemeanor

Shannon Bell and Carolyn Beatty:

1. Dealing in Methamphetamine – Level 2 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 4 Felony
3. Unlawful Possession of Syringe – Level 6 Felony
4. Possession of Marijuana – B Misdemeanor
5. Possession of Paraphernalia – A Misdemeanor

Bell was also arrested on a warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony.

All subjects were incarcerated at the Washington County Jail without further incident.  

Trooper Powers and Taylor were assisted by officers from the Salem Police Department and the Washington County Sheriff’s Department.  

A Scottsburg man has been arrested on two separate felony charges after communicating illicitly with a 13-year-old female in Clark County. 

An investigation began when Trooper Ryne Mcmahel, with the Indiana State Police (ISP) in Sellersburg, received the complaint of an adult providing obscene material to a minor. 

The complaint alleged that a thirteen-year-old girl received explicit nude images from an adult male and that the adult male believed he was speaking with a fourteen-year-old female. 

The communication was alleged to have happened via the Snapchat messaging app and include numerous illicit images and conversations. 

As a result of the investigation, the male was identified as Kyle Alan McIntosh, 22, of Scottsburg, Indiana.  The investigation also revealed conversations in which McIntosh spoke explicitly about his desire to have sexual relations with the girl. 

On Friday, March 26, 2021, Trooper Ryne Mcmahel and Detective Sergeant Dave Mitchell located Kyle McIntosh and spoke with him at the Sellersburg State Police Post. 

After speaking with McIntosh and, as a result of the investigation, Kyle Alan McIntosh was arrested for Child Solicitation, a Level 4 Felony, and Providing Obscene Material to a Minor, a Level 6 Felony. 

Kyle McIntosh was incarcerated at the Clark County Jail without further incident. 

On March 29, 2021, Deputy Chris Bowling, First Sergeant John Hartman and Deputy Jessica Dickey responded to a leaving the scene of a property damage accident in rural Scott County. 

After leaving the accident scene Deputy Bowling observed what he believe to be the alleged suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop.  After completing the investigation it led to the arrest of two people. 

Darien Capote, 21, of Scottsburg was arrested for Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia and Visiting a Common Nuisance. 

John Candelario, 28, of Louisville, KY, was arrested for No Commercial Driver’s License When Required, Possession of Marijuana, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Maintaining a Common Nuisance and Possession of Paraphernalia. 

On March 29, 2021, First Sergeant John Hartman responded to an accident on I-65.  An investigation led to the arrest of Brandon Fleming, 27, of Lexington, KY, for Operator Never Licensed. 

On March 29, 2021, Corporal Johnney Coomer served an outstanding arrest warrant at the Scott County Jail.  As a result Tyler Waskom, 45, of Scottsburg was arrested for an outstanding arrest warrant for Failure to Appear. 

Seizure consisted of over 114 pounds of methamphetamine, along with heroin, fentanyl, marijuana, and 115 firearms

Acting U.S. Attorney John E. Childress announced today that an extensive drug trafficking organization that was responsible for selling large quantities of illegal drugs in the Columbus area has been dismantled.

Thirty-six individuals were indicted by a grand jury on various federal charges, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and felon in possession of a firearm. Twenty-four have already been convicted and sentenced to federal prison.

“The large drug trafficking organizations not only saturate our communities with illegal drugs, they bring gun violence and contribute to the addiction problems facing the Hoosier state and nation,” said Childress. “Federal law enforcement will continue to work with state and local law enforcement to eliminate these organizations and assure the citizens who live in the Southern District of Indiana that we are committed and determined to keep the communities where they live safe.”

Bartholomew County Chief Deputy Prosecutor, Gregory E. Long said, “We have a good working relationship with our federal partners, and I look forward to continuing to work together as a team to help stop the flow of illegal drugs from entering our community.”

In 2018, federal agents and officers assigned to the Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET) initiated an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation called Operation Columbus Day.

During the investigation, agents and officers identified members of a Mexican-based drug trafficking organization who were sending large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana to the Columbus, and Seymour, Indiana area. What followed was a multi-year investigation that targeted the Chavez family. The Chavez family lived and operated out of the Columbus area, where multiple family members and their close associates used a variety of methods to traffic drugs (primarily, methamphetamine). Throughout the investigation, agents and officers intercepted multiple parcels, conducted numerous controlled purchases, and conducted approximately 15 search warrants in the Bartholomew County area.

Operation Columbus Day netted approximately 114 pounds of methamphetamine, 4 pounds of heroin/fentanyl and 28 pounds of marijuana. In addition to drug seizures, approximately $224,124 in U.S. currency was seized as drug proceeds. Agents and officers also recovered approximately 115 firearms.

Following the investigation, 36 individuals were indicted federally through the United States Attorney’s Office and 23 additional individuals were prosecuted through the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office on charges ranging from possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine to felon in possession of a firearm. Of the 36 individuals indicted, 25 have been convicted, and sentences ranged from 12 months to 270 months in federal prison.

The below individuals are just five of the 24 defendants thus far that have been prosecuted and sentenced for a federal firearm, drug, and/or immigration charges.

• Jorge Chavez – sentenced to 270 months
• Ivan Chavez-Lozoya – sentenced to 69 months
• Jacklyn Munoz – sentenced to 108 months
• Bryan Miranda-Alvidrez – sentenced to 120 months
• Fernando Lopez-Mendez – sentenced to 120 months (and subject to deportation)

This investigation was a collaborative effort between the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), Seymour Police Department, U.S. Marshal Service, and Homeland Security Investigations.

DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon said, “Operation Columbus Day was a huge success for the fine citizens of Bartholomew County and fellow Hoosiers.  Based on the exceptional work conducted by DEA and our partner’s approximately 60 individuals were arrested.

In addition, over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and over 100 firearms were seized. This investigation was a perfect example of law enforcement collaborating at the highest levels.

Any time we can remove large amounts of debilitating drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and illegally possessed firearms from the streets, it is a big win. DEA remains committed to working hand in hand with the Bartholomew County Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team to keep our communities safe.”

“Drugs and firearms violence, unfortunately, go hand in hand,” stated Roland H. Herndon, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Columbus Field Division. “ATF is committed to making our communities safer for everyone, and the conviction of those involved in this violent drug trafficking scheme is a step toward that goal. My thanks go out to all of our local, state, and federal partners in this investigation for their tireless work and commitment.”

Bryan Musgrove, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Detroit Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service stated, “This investigation is another example of a successful crack down on those seeking to abuse the Postal Service by shipping drugs and illegal proceeds through the U.S. Mail.

Preventing illegal drugs from entering the U.S. Mail system is one of the highest priorities for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. As this case illustrates, we utilize enhanced investigative techniques and leverage strategic partnerships with other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in an effort to prevent these dangerous drugs from harming our communities.”

“Bartholomew County’s Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team is a well-coordinated initiative that is providing an entirely different approach and attack on dealing with drugs,” said Bartholomew County Sheriff Matthew A. Myers. “JNET was taken to the “next level” when a Bartholomew County Sheriff’s deputy was assigned to the DEA Task Force. “Our greatest focus and number one priority is on drug eradication, particularly targeting people who provide illegal narcotics to our residents. Having local, state and federal agencies working together, sends a huge message,” added Sheriff Myers.

“Eliminating dangerous drugs from Columbus and holding those persons responsible who transport and distribute narcotics into our community is one of law enforcements most critical roles,” said Columbus Police Chief Michael Richardson. “These arrests spotlight the hard work that was done by our JNET detectives in collaboration with a number of law enforcement agencies. This investigation should serve as a wake-up call to anyone who is considering selling drugs in Columbus and Bartholomew County. I am extremely proud of every officer involved in this lengthy investigation and would like to commend them for their exceptional work.”

According to Assistant U.S. Attorneys M. Kendra Klump and Lawrence Hilton, who prosecuted this case for the government, this case was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (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.

In November of 2020, Acting United States Attorney John E. Childress renewed a Strategic Plan designed to shape and strengthen the District’s response to its most significant public safety challenges. This prosecution demonstrates the Office’s enduring commitment to investigating and prosecuting organizations that supply and distribute methamphetamine and or heroin in the district. See United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Indiana Strategic Plan Section 3.1.

Bridge beams to be delivered and set at Deaver Road overpass

The Indiana Department of Transportation announces lane closures and rolling slowdowns next week at the Deaver Road overpass on I-65 in Bartholomew County. Work began in late February on a superstructure replacement at this location as part of the $65 million added travel lanes project on I-65 between S.R. 58 and S.R. 46.

Traffic restrictions are scheduled as follows, weather permitting:

• Monday, April 5 and Tuesday, April 6 (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.): Left lane closed on I-65 NB to unload bridge beams for assembly
• Wednesday, April 7 (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.): Left lane closed and intermittent closures (up to 20 minutes at a time) on I-65 NB for beam setting
• Thursday, April 8 (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.): Left lane closed and intermittent closures (up to 20 minutes at a time) on I-65 SB for beam setting

On Wednesday and Thursday nights, traffic will be stopped in one direction for up to 20 minutes at a time while overhead beam setting is in progress. Traffic will then be released until back-ups are cleared and traffic will stop again in 20-minute increments until beam setting is complete. Drivers should allow extra time or use an alternate route to avoid delays.

Deaver Road will remain closed over I-65 through mid-to-late June. The official detour follows C.R. 175 W. to C.R. 450 S./S.R. 58 to C.R. 300 W.

Additional overnight lane closures will be in place throughout project limits for placement of barrier wall. Southbound traffic was shifted to the outside lane and shoulder last week for mainline work to begin. A 55 mph speed limit is in effect for the entire construction zone. Work will be rescheduled if necessary due to inclement weather.

The Indiana Department of Transportation activated Intersection Conflict Warning System (ICWS) at two locations along S.R. 46 in Brown and Monroe Counties last Friday, March 26.

The new systems are located at the intersections of S.R. 46 and Lower Schooner Road (Brown County), and S.R. 46 and Sewell Road (Monroe County).

Each ICWS includes signage and amber flashers to alert drivers of approaching traffic at two-way, stop-controlled intersections, typically a major road (higher traffic volume with no stop sign) and a minor road (lower traffic volume, with a stop sign).

Under-pavement vehicle detection equipment allows the system to notify motorists in real-time of traffic approaching an intersection or traffic waiting to enter an intersection.