On Saturday, April 24, 2021, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring the 20^th nationwide “Prescription Drug Take-Back” initiative.  The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through the proper disposal of prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment.  This program is for liquid and pill medications.  Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken.  Needles, new or used, WILL NOT be accepted for disposal.  This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

In addition, Americans are now advised that their usual methods for disposing of unused medicines—flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash—pose both potential safety and health hazards.

Once again, the Indiana State Police is pleased to partner with the DEA, and as in the past, unwanted medications may be dropped off at any Indiana State Police Post, except the Toll Road Post.  The event will be on Saturday, April 24, 2021 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.  The Indiana State Police Sellersburg Post is located at 8014 CR 311, Sellersburg, IN.  47172.     

To locate the State Police post closest to your home or business, click this link for Indiana State Police on the Map. To find other locations in Indiana or across the U.S. that are participating in the Drug Take-Back initiative, click this link to the DEA.

The Drug Take-Back events are the safe, popular and responsible way for the public to legally dispose of prescription drugs with no questions asked.

Friday, a 38-year-old Seymour, Indiana man was arrested for dealing methamphetamine following a traffic stop on the north side of Seymour.

The investigation began at approximately 1:00 pm when Trooper Randel Miller observed a silver 2005 Toyota traveling southbound on I-65 in northern Jackson County. 

After committing a traffic violation, the vehicle exited I-65 onto State Road 11 and traveled southbound towards Seymour.  Trp. Miller caught up to the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop along State Road 11. 

During the course of the traffic stop, Trp. Miller observed indicators of criminal activity.  Trp. Miller deployed his drug detection K-9, Jinx, which alerted to the odor of illegal drugs coming from the vehicle. 

During a search of the vehicle, troopers located approximately 120 grams of suspected crystal methamphetamine in the vehicle and on the driver’s person.  Other evidence of dealing with methamphetamine was also located in the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle, Chad W. Bruce, age 38, Seymour, Indiana was arrested on charges of Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony, and Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 3 Felony. 

He was transported to the Jackson County Jail where he was incarcerated.  Bruce will soon face an initial appearance in the Jackson County Circuit Court.

Trp. Miller was assisted by Troopers Korry Clark, Sam Simpkins, and Jackson County Deputy Justin Amos. 

46-year-old Patricia K. Hanks was arrested and Charged was Patricia K.Hanks with Theft, a Class 6 Felony

In January of 2021, Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective Brian Maudlin of the Putnamville State Police Post began an investigation into the former treasurer for the Parke Heritage Booster Club.

During his investigation, it was discovered the treasurer allegedly deprived the Parke Heritage Booster Club of over $9,000.00. 

Hanks was the treasurer for the booster club from August 2018 through February 2021. 

During her duties as the treasurer, she allegedly was not depositing funds into the bank accounts to benefit in self-gain.

After reviewing the investigation, the Parke County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Hanks. 

She was arrested this afternoon without incident and is currently being held in the Parke County Jail on a $10,000 bond with 10% allowed.

Assisting Officers: Sergeant Joe Rutledge and Master Trooper Ty Lightle of the Putnamville State Police Post.