On October 17, 2019, Deputies Joe Baker and Darrin Marshall of the Scott County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop in Austin.  An investigation led to the arrest of Gregory Pelston, 43, of Austin for Unlawful Possession of a Syringe. 

 On October 18, 2019, Deputy John Smith and Reserve Deputy Steven Bowers observed a female outside of an apartment in Austin that looked to be distressed.  After stopping to check the female they learned that she had used illegal narcotics.  A further investigation led to the arrest of Barry Fox, 34, of Austin for Possession of Paraphernalia and Maintaining a Common Nuisance. 

On October 18, 2019, Deputy Johnney Coomer conducted a traffic stop in the Lexington area.  An investigation led to the arrest of Bridgett Griffin, 40, of Lexington, Indiana for Driving While Suspended Prior. 

On October 18, 2019, Detective Paul Clute received information about a male violating his home detention.  An investigation led to the arrest of Jesse Eversole, 42, of Austin for Escape Flees from Lawful Detention. 

On October 19, 2019, Deputies Joe Baker, Johnney Coomer, John Smith and Kenton Makowsky executed a search warrant at the address of 102 east York Road in Austin.  At the completion of the search warrant four arrests were made.  Julie Smith, 61, of Austin was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Schedule I, II, III or Iv Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe and Maintaining a Common Nuisance.  Morgan Smith, 25, of Austin was arrested for Possession of a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Paraphernalia and Maintaining a Common Nuisance.  Brandon Estep, 43, of Austin was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Schedule I, II, III or IV Controlled Substance, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe and Maintaining a Common Nuisance.  Kelly Broady, 40, of Austin was arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of a Syringe and Maintaining a Common Nuisance.

Please note that a scam email has surfaced that appears to be targeting some media outlets to try to drum up publicity surrounding a Red Cross pre-holiday donation campaign. The email, which asks media to help publicize a Red Cross donation link, is sent by: 

“Zack Chambers”

zack.chambers.sureoak@gmail.com

We have escalated this case through the appropriate channels within the Red Cross organization, including our information technology department. 

The Red Cross Warns, “PLEASE DO NOT RESPOND TO THE EMAIL OR CLICK ON ANY LINKS FROM THIS SENDER.”

Earlier today a 24-year-old French Lick man was arrested in connection to the 2016 death of a French Lick man.

Cody Gabrel, 24, of French Lick, IN was arrested this afternoon without incident for the murder of James Bryson, 66, of French Lick.

Charges include Felony Murder, Murder, and Burglary Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury. Mr. Gabrel is currently incarcerated in the Orange County Jail.

On October 18th, 2019 Indiana State Police Detective Shane Staggs submitted charges to the Orange County Prosecutors Office in relation to a murder investigation that began on December 27th, 2016.

Earlier this year, a $5,000 REWARD was increased to $10,000, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person/s responsible for the death of Bryson.

Bryson was found deceased at his sister’s residence on December 27, 2016 at 11387 West County Road 50 South, French Lick.

Bryson had last been seen on December 24th, 2016.

The investigation is currently ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Shane Staggs at 812-482-1441.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.