Today, five residents of Switzerland County, Indiana were arrested on numerous theft-related charges after a six-month investigation by the Indiana State Police-Special Investigations Section into theft from the Patriot Volunteer Fire Department.

The investigation began in March of 2020 when the Indiana State Police began an investigation after being notified that a group of individuals was attempting to fraudulently gain control of the equipment and assets of the fire department which had not been operational since 2017.

The investigation determined that, on March 16, 2020, Christopher See, age 37, filed fraudulent paperwork with the State of Indiana to take control of the fire department. 

See, along with Christopher Miller, age 32, Caitlyn Staat, age 19, Jacob Parker, age 35, and Lewis Fritter, age 42 held a meeting without giving the proper public notice and without giving notice to the remaining members of the Patriot Volunteer Fire Department. 

At the meeting, only attended by the five individuals, See was chosen to be president and Miller was chosen to be the new chief of the fire department. 

Parker was chosen as assistant chief and Staat was chosen to be the treasurer. 

The new officers were elected without following the existing by-laws of the PVFD. 

See, Miller and Staat then contacted the First Financial Bank in Vevay, Indiana where they used the fraudulently filed paperwork to put their names on the accounts containing the department’s money. 

They then gained access to the Patriot Volunteer Fire Department’s building which contained the department’s equipment.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was presented to the Switzerland County Prosecutor’s Office for review. 

This led to all five suspects being arrested and charged today in Switzerland County, Indiana.

Christopher See was arrested on charges of Conspiracy to Defraud a Financial Institution, Conspiracy to Commit Theft (4 counts), Perjury (7 counts), and Official Misconduct. 

Christopher Miller, Caitlyn Staat, Jacob Parker, and Lewis Fritter were all arrested on charges of Conspiracy to Defraud a Financial Institution, and Conspiracy to Commit Theft (4 counts).

All five suspects were arrested and attended an initial hearing this morning in the Switzerland County Circuit Court.

Matthew Missi was captured by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department late Saturday evening. 

Michael (Chad) Robinson is still wanted.    

Missi, 20, of Scottsburg was wanted for Dealing in Hashish oil, Dealing Hashish Oil to a Minor, Possession of Hash Oil and Possession of Paraphernalia. 

The Sheriff’s Department arrested has arrested 22 people in conjunction with their wide-spread Operation Broken Needle drug campaign.

Undercover Drug Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office made drug buys and sought arrest warrants along with deputies searching alleged drug or flophouses, served warrants and made traffic stops.

Operation Broken Needle is a continuation of the Sheriff Office’s pursuit of a “Drug-Free Scott County.

Michael “Chad” Robinson, 42, of Scottsburg is still wanted for two counts of Dealing in Methamphetamine At Least 1 Gram but Less Than 5 Grams.  

If anyone has any information, please call the Scott County Sheriff’s Department at 812.752.8400.

Gov. Eric J. Holcomb is encouraging drivers to put the phone down and avoid distractions during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, an outreach campaign normally observed in April but was moved to October due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Making Indiana’s roads safer has been a critical component of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level agenda. This year, Indiana became the 22nd state in the nation to pass a hands-free device driving law, which prohibits drivers from holding a mobile device, except in emergencies, while their vehicles are moving.

“Cell phones are a part of everyday life, but distracted driving shouldn’t be,” Gov. Holcomb said. “Everyone deserves to arrive at their destination safely so we continue to urge Hoosiers to put down their devices and stay focused on the road.”

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 2012 and 2018, nearly 23,000 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver in the U.S. In 2018 alone, there were 2,841 people killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.

In Indiana, distracted driving was a contributing factor in more than 10,000 crashes and 24 roadway fatalities last year.

“A priority of the Indiana State Police has been to develop and provide an educational component to our enforcement initiatives so that motorists know what they can and cannot do while operating a vehicle,” said Doug Carter, Indiana State Police Superintendent. “We will continue to do all we can to change distracted behavior with the intent to make all of our roadways safer places for everyone.” 

Although texting continues to be a top distraction, any activity that diverts attention from driving is considered distracted driving, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. Eating and drinking, taking selfies, or fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system are all examples and can be equally as dangerous.

“Taking your attention off the road—even for one second—is enough to put your life and the lives of others at risk,” said Devon McDonald, ICJI Executive Director. “It doesn’t matter how busy you are, driving distracted, whether it’s checking your email or sending a text, is never worth it. Don’t wait until it’s too late to change your behavior.”

ICJI encourages drivers to activate their phone’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or place it in their glove box, center console or back seat until they reach their destination. They can also designate a passenger to be their “designated texter” by allowing them to access their phone.

For more information on distracted driving, visit www.distraction.gov, or for more information about Indiana’s hands-free device driving law, visit HandsFreeIndiana.com.

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About the Indiana Hands-Free Law
In 2019, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute reported that distracted driving from mobile devices was a factor in at least 1,263 crashes and three fatal crashes. To make Hoosier roads safer, Governor Eric J. Holcomb signed the Indiana Hands-Free law to reduce distracted driving across the state. Beginning July 1, 2020, drivers are prohibited from holding a mobile device, except in emergencies, while their vehicles are moving. For more information on the new law visit www.HandsFreeIndiana.com. Hands-Free Indiana is a partnership between the Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Police, Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Constructors Inc., Indiana Motor Truck Association and ACEC Indiana.

A Floyd County man was shot early Monday morning after deputies responded to a 911 domestic disturbance call from his residence.  

A preliminary investigation reveals that around 1 a.m. Monday, four Floyd County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence on Country Trace Lane near Floyd Central High School. 

A female 911 caller advised of a domestic disturbance and requested police to respond. 

When officers arrived, they observed an ongoing domestic situation between the couple, but deputies eventually spoke with both the husband and wife at the door to the residence.  

At one point in the conversation, the husband walked away from the door and returned with a shotgun.  

After repeated orders to drop the gun, at least one officer fired, striking the subject. 

Officers rendered first-aid, and the male was taken to University Hospital in Louisville, where he is currently listed in critical condition.

The male was also found to be in possession of a handgun immediately after the shooting. 

Floyd County Sheriff Frank Loop requested assistance from the Indiana State Police (ISP), and ISP detectives were assigned to investigate. 

This investigation is ongoing, and more information will be released as it becomes available. 

ISP detectives were assisted by officers from the Floyd County Sheriff’s Department.  

Floyd County Animal Control was also called to the scene due to numerous K-9s in the residence. 

Scott County Deputies Scour the County Making Numerous Drug-Related Arrests

22 People Arrested-Deputies are Looking for Two More

Over the last several weeks the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, under the direct order of Sheriff Jerry Goodin, implemented an undercover drug detail code-named “Operation Broken Needle”. 

Undercover Drug Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office made drug buys and sought arrest warrants along with deputies searching alleged drug or flophouses, served warrants, and made traffic stops.

Operation Broken Needle is a continuation of the Sheriff Office’s pursuit of a “Drug-Free Scott County.”

Yesterday afternoon and early today, officers spanned across Scott County and arrested 19 people on drug-related charges and one on an outstanding resisting law enforcement warrant. 

Before yesterday’s round-up, deputies had arrested three other individuals on drug-related charges, kicking off “Operation Broken Needle”.

While making the arrests deputies seized, Methamphetamine, Heroin, Controlled Substances, (Pills and Strips), Black Tar Heroin and Marijuana.  

Below are the names and charges of the arrests during “Operation Broken Needle”.

Jesse Cole, 39, of Lexington, IN, was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, and Operator Never Licensed. 

Leroy Cox, 49, of Austin was arrested for Possession of a Synthetic Drug or a look-alike Substance, Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident and Driving While Suspended Prior. 

Daniel Stone, 38 of Seymour, IN, was arrested for Possession of Cocaine or a Schedule I or II Narcotic Drug At Least 5 Grams but Less Than 10 Grams, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Operating While Intoxicated With a Schedule I or II Controlled Substance, Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person and Public Intoxication. 

Joseph Dowling, 48, of Austin was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for failure to Appear on Possession of a Narcotic Drug, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, and Visiting a Common Nuisance. 

Serenity Driggers, 29, of Austin was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for Dealing in Methamphetamine and Dealing in Methamphetamine more than One Gram but Less Than 5 Grams.

Frank Driggers, 53, of Austin was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for Dealing in Methamphetamine and Dealing in Methamphetamine with Enhancing Circumstances for a Prior. 

Kevin Larue, 43, of Scottsburg was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for two counts of Dealing in Methamphetamine less than 1 Gram but with Enhancing Circumstances.

Jenny Stamper, 45, of Austin was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for Dealing in Methamphetamine and received an additional charge of Possession of Methamphetamine.

Billy Ray Hollan, 38, of Austin, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for Dealing in Methamphetamine, Dealing in Methamphetamine At Least 1 Gram but less than 5 Grams, Escape-Intentionally Violates Home Detention, Intimidation with a Deadly Weapon, Strangulation, Domestic Battery and Interference with Reporting a Crime. 

Chris Riley, 46, of Austin, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for three counts of Dealing in a Schedule III Controlled Substance At Least 1 Gram but Less Than 5 Grams.

Sarah Riley, 41, of Austin, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for three counts of Dealing in a Schedule III Controlled Substance At Least 1 Gram but Less Than 5 Grams. 

Devin Campbell, 26, of Dale, IN, was arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant for Dealing in Methamphetamine At Least 1 Gram but Less Than 5 Grams.

Jeremy Mullins, 42, of Austin was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Theft-Less Than $750, Trafficking with an Inmate, and Criminal Trespassing. 

Earl Estep, 29, of Austin was arrested for Possession of Heroin, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Possession of Paraphernalia and Visiting a Common Nuisance.

Amy Hinkle, 37, of Crothersville, IN, was arrested for Possession of Heroin, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Possession of Paraphernalia and Maintaining a Common Nuisance. 

Jeremy Sizemore, 29, of Austin was arrested for on an outstanding arrest warrant for Resisting Law Enforcement. 

Ashley Sullivan, 27, of Austin was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Heroin, Visiting a Common Nuisance and Unlawful Possession of a Syringe. 

Derek Powers, 23, of Austin was arrested for Visiting a Common Nuisance and Unlawful Possession of a Syringe.

Kendra Jenkins, 23, of Austin was arrested for Visiting a Common Nuisance. 

Bradley Green, 26, of Austin was arrested for Visiting a Common Nuisance. 

Wayne Wilson, 51, of Scottsburg was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Paraphernalia and Public Intoxication. 

Brandon Howard, 29, of Austin was arrested for Possession of a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia, Driving While Suspended Prior and an out of county warrant. 

The Scott County Sheriff’s office is still looking for two other people that are wanted on drug-related warrants.  Matthew Missi, 20, of Scottsburg is wanted for Dealing in Hashish oil, Dealing Hashish Oil to a Minor, Possession of Hash Oil and Possession of Paraphernalia. 

WANTED

Michael “Chad” Robinson, 42, of Scottsburg is wanted for two counts of Dealing in Methamphetamine At Least 1 Gram but Less Than 5 Grams. 

WANTED

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of these two individuals are encouraged to contact the Scott County Sheriff’s Office at 812-752-5550 or 911.  You can remain anonymous. 

Sheriff Goodin stated, “I am extremely proud of our deputy’s hard work and anyone that doubts the dedication our deputies have for making Scott County the safest county in America for its citizens, better think again”.

Assisting agencies:  Austin City Police Department and the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office. 

This morning at approximately 8:45, Trooper Jordan Lee stopped the driver of a 1994 Cadillac for making an unsafe lane movement on US 41 south of SR 68.

The driver was identified as Aaron Shover, 28, of Winslow. Two passengers inside the vehicle were identified as Paul Shover, Jr, 52, of Petersburg, and his 14-year-old son.

Trooper Lee observed signs of impairment on both the driver and adult passenger. Senior Trooper Michael Finney and his K-9, Boomer, arrived to assist.

While walking around Shover’s vehicle, Boomer alerted to the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed small amounts of methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia. Aaron Shover failed field sobriety tests and refused to submit to a chemical test.

The passenger, Paul Shover, was also impaired and under the influence of narcotics.

Aaron and Paul Shover were arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where they are currently being held on bond. Paul Shover’s 14-year-old son was released to a family member.

Arrested and Charges:

• Aaron Shover, 28, Winslow, IN

1. Operating a Vehicle with a Passenger less than 18 years of age, Class 6 Felony
2. Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated – Refusal, Class A Misdemeanor
3. Possession of Meth, Class 6 Felony
4. Possession of Marijuana, Class B Misdemeanor
5. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Class C Misdemeanor

• Paul Shover, 52, Petersburg, IN
• 

1. Neglect of a Dependent, Class 6 Felony
2. Possession of Meth, Class 6 Felony
3. Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Trooper Jordan Lee, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officers: Senior Trooper Michael Finney and Trooper William Campbell