Branchville Correctional Facility (BCF) Office of Investigations and Intelligence (OII), and the Warden’s offices announce the arrest of custody officer alleged of Official Misconduct, and Trafficking with an inmate.

The Office of Investigations and Intelligence (OII) began investigating a case of possible staff misconduct and trafficking at Branchville Correctional Facility (BCF) in August 2019.  On the morning of Dec. 2, 2019, Correctional Police officers at BCF, concluded their investigation that resulted in the arrest of Custody Officer Marrisa Swimm, 24 for Offical Misconduct a Level 6 Felony, and Trafficking with an inmate a Class A Misdemeanor.  Swimm was later transported to Perry County Jail, for processing. Information from the investigation is being provided to the Perry County Prosecutor’s Office and may, at the discretion of the Prosecutor, result in additional charges. 

“It is our job to ensure staff remains professional at all times.  We will not tolerate staff misconduct or any attempts to bring contraband into the facility,” said Warden Kathy Alvey.  In response to being notified of the arrest, Warden Alvey commented, “Branchville’s Office of Investigation and Intelligence did outstanding work in bringing this officer to justice.  Branchville will continue to keep our staff, offenders, and community safe.” 

Swimm began her employment with the Indiana Department of Correction as a custody officer on October 29, 2018.  She will be placed on suspension with out pay pending the outcome of the investigation.

The investigation was started and completed internally by the Indiana Department of Correction and resulted in the arrest of Swimm.

About Trafficking:
Trafficking in a correctional facility environment is defined as the act of buying or selling of illegal substances or substances which may be legal but are not permitted in a correctional environment, such as the sale or trade of tobacco products.

About Official Misconduct: 

Official Misconduct in a correctional facility environment is defined as misbehavior and unlawful acts committed by a public official while performing his or her duties. 

On November 29, 2019, Deputy Kenton Makowsky with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on US 31 in rural southern Scott County.  An investigation led to the arrest of Sally Stepp, 46, of Underwood, In. for an out of county warrant.  Stepp received additional charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Legend Drug, Possession of Paraphernalia and Trafficking with an Inmate. 

On November 30, 2019, Deputy Johnney Coomer conducted a traffic stop in Scottsburg.  An investigation led to the arrest of James Radford, 49, of Bedford for an out of county warrant. 

On November 30, 2019, Deputy Johnney Coomer conducted a traffic stop in Austin.  An investigation led to the arrest of Larry Caudill, 29, of Austin for Operator Never Licensed. 

On December 1, 2019, Deputy Kenton Makowsky conducted a traffic stop in northern Scott County on US 31.  An investigation led to the arrest of Tiffany Skaggs, 20, of Scottsburg for Operator Never Licensed and two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Syringe. 

On December 1, 2019, Reserve Deputy Cory Hulsizer conducted a traffic stop in Scottsburg.  An investigation led to the arrest of Ashton Keith, 19, of Hanover, In. for Invasion of Privacy. 

Last Wednesday, members of the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, Cyber Crimes Unit and members of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, including Martinsville Police Officer Lachelle Maurer and FBI Special Agent Todd Prewitt, executed a search warrant at a residence in Greene County.

The issuance of the warrant followed an investigation that led to probable cause into the alleged production and possession of child pornography images.

Task Force members received a cyber tip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Task Force members with assistance from the Greene County Prosecutor’s Office executed the search warrant at a residence on 4^th Street in Switz City.

Brett Allan Walker, Age 28, was arrested for the following charges;

Child Molest, a Level 1 Felony

Child Exploitation, Level 5 Felony

Possession of Child Pornography, Level 5 Felony

Walker was transported to the Greene County Jail where his custody was transferred.

Corporal David Poynter of the Indiana State Police Capitol Division is an Explosive Detection Canine handler for the Indiana State Police Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team. He recently began working with a new canine partner, his third for the ISP EOD team.

Explosive Detection Canine Rex (pictured right) was acquired by the department in May 2019 and started a 10-week training process culminating in a three-day certification process by the International Police Working Dog Association (IPWDA). Rex and Poynter displayed their proficiency in both Phase I, which is an odor recognition test, and Phase II. Phase II is an operational test designed to certify the team in locating explosives in a live environment in different areas they may be required to operate in.

Since certification, Rex has been busy providing security sweeps for the Indiana State Fair, responding to bomb threats, and providing security sweeps for Indiana University Football and Basketball games.

Poynter’s previous canine partner, Mela, passed away on September 13, 2019, due to complications with cancer. During her eight-year career, Mela provided security for high profile events like the 100^th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, the 2012 Super Bowl, and visits to Indiana by U.S. Presidents and other Dignitaries. On average, Mela completed about 300 details a year covering the Indiana State Fair, Indiana Judges Conferences, demonstrations to the public, Notre Dame Football, Indiana University Basketball, and protecting the citizens of the great State of Indiana through routine sweeps of the Statehouse.

Calling all 3rd – 12th graders and adults interested in sewing! Megan Broughton of Purdue Extension will be hosting a Sewing Workshop.

This workshop will focus on making different accessories, including wallets, handbags, and scrunchies. This will be a series of four classes that will take place at the Extension Office in the lower level of the Washington County Government
Building.

The group will meet from 6-8 p.m. on the following Tuesdays:

 January 7th
 January 21st
 February 4th
 February 18th

The clup is open to youth in grades 3-12 ($5 after enrollment) and adults ($20). All supplies will be included.

Please RSVP by January 2nd by calling 812-883-4601 or emailing mcbrough@purdue.edu.

Saturday afternoon at approximately 4:35, Vincennes City Police attempted to stop a stolen 1995 GMC Sonoma pickup truck at the Red Roof Inn, but he driver refused to stop and continued north on Old Bruceville Road at a high rate of speed.

Indiana State Police joined the chase after Master Trooper Goodman observed the stolen vehicle traveling east on Hillcrest Road. The driver then turned east on Old Wheatland Road and then north on McClure Road.

The driver of the stolen vehicle left the roadway at the intersection of Brouillette Road and drove into a yard of a private residence before continuing west on Brouillette Road and then driving north on Old Bruceville Road.

The driver then lost control at a curve just prior to Thompson Road and drove off the roadway into a wet field. The driver continued to elude officers by driving in reverse until the vehicle became stuck approximately 600 feet off the roadway.

The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot to the north. Officers continued to chase the driver on foot for approximately ¼ mile before he surrendered without further incident.

The driver was identified as John H. Koonce, 27, of Bridgeport, IL. Koonce was arrested and taken to the Knox County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.

Arrested and Charges:

John H. Koonce, 27, Bridgeport, IL

1. Theft, Class 6 Felony
2. Resisting Law Enforcement with a Vehicle, Class 6 Felony
3. Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor
4. Reckless Driving, Class C Misdemeanor
5. Aggressive Drive, Class A Misdemeanor

Arresting Officer: Master Trooper Gary Goodman, Indiana State Police

Assisting Officer: Trooper Jordan Lee, Indiana State Police

Assisting Agency: Vincennes Police and Knox County Sheriff’s Department

Saturday at approximately 7:21 a.m., Senior Trooper Ted Robertson and the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department responded to a personal injury accident on west Lombardi Drive, just west of State Road 63 that resulted in the arrest of a Terre Haute man for driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.

Preliminary investigation revealed that Ian C. Wilson, age 19, of Terre Haute, IN, was driving his Dodge Ram pickup truck west on Lombardi Drive when he left the roadway, striking a tree, causing his pickup to go airborne.  The truck landed on the passenger’s side, slid into a large tree, and came to an abrupt stop.  

Homeowners near the accident scene stated that moments after the crash, Wilson climbed out of the vehicle and started walking away from the accident scene.  Wilson was located approximately half a mile away, on foot, by Senior Trooper Ted Robertson and the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department. Further investigation revealed that Wilson had a blood alcohol content of .22%.  Wilson was injured from the accident and transported to Regional Hospital for medical care. Once cleared medically, Wilson was arrested and taken to the Vigo County Jail where he is currently being held on bond.  

Arrested and Charges:  Ian C. Wilson, 19, Terre Haute, IN

• Driving While Intoxicated, Class A Misdemeanor
• Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, Class C Misdemeanor  
• Leaving the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident, Class A Misdemeanor 
• Operating a Vehicle without Financial Responsibility, Class C Misdemeanor
• Minor Consumption, Class C Misdemeanor  
• Open Alcohol Container, Class B Infraction 

Arresting Officer:  Senior Trooper Ted Robertson

Assisting Agency:  Vigo County Sheriff’s Department and AAA Towing.

Photo: Ian C. Wilson and Accident Scene.