On July 25, 2019, Deputies stopped to assist a disabled motorist.

The motorist, identified as Melissa McTier, age 34, of French Lick, began acting strangely.

Deputies ran McTier’s information and received a hit confirmation that she had two active warrants out of two separate counties.

McTier was arrested for OUT OF COUNTY WARRANT(S) and transported to the Scott County Jail.

On July 22^nd, after investigating a tip of the sale and distribution of methamphetamine on “M” Street involving David Smith, 44 of Bedford, Detectives with the Indiana State Police DES established probable cause for obtaining a search warrant for the residence. DES Detectives, along with Sgt. Greg Day and Trp. Caleb Garvin, executed the search warrant that same afternoon.

Upon entry into the residence, troopers observed drugs and paraphernalia in plain view.  They also located Smith, Kelby Root 31, of Bedford, Durant Hillenburg, 33 of Bedford and Shelby Horton, 25 also of Bedford. 

Two children lived in the residence as well – an 11 year old and a 2 year old.

During the search, troopers located methamphetamine with the drug paraphernalia, along with other evidence of dealing. Interviews were conducted with all of the adults at the residence. 

The Department of Children Services responded to the scene and removed the children from the home.

The investigation resulted in the following arrests:

David Smith

1. Dealing Methamphetamine with a Prior Conviction, Level 4 Felony
2. Possession of Methamphetamine Under 5 Grams with a Prior Conviction, Level 5 Felony
3. Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony
4. Habitual Violator

Kelby Root

1. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony
2. Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony
3. Neglect of a Dependent, Level 6 Felony

Durant Hillenburg

1. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony
2. Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony

Shelby Horton

1. Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 5 Felony
2. Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Level 6 Felony

Anyone with illegal drug activity information is encouraged to contact the Indiana State PoliceBloomington Post at 812-332-4411.

All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law

On July 24 at approximately 10:10 p.m. on SR 63 near Baltimore Hill Road (that is about three miles north of the SR 63/US 136 intersection), a trooper stopped a car for a traffic violation and located over five pounds of marijuana in the trunk.

Trooper Tyler Turchi was sitting in a cross over on SR 63 when he observed a vehicle approaching him northbound appearing to be well over the speed limit. 

The trooper confirmed the excess speed with his RADAR device and stopped the red 2013 Chrysler and approached the passenger window. 

The driver handed Trooper Turchi her license and registration.  Trooper Turchi detected a smell of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.

After returning to his state police car, he requested assistance from Warren County Deputy Bryant Pearman, who was patrolling nearby. 

After the Deputy’s arrival, a search was conducted and over five and one half pounds of marijuana was located in the trunk of the vehicle.

The back seat passenger, Keyon Carter, 30 of Danville, IL advised the marijuana belonged to him. 

He was taken into custody and arrested for;

• Dealing in a Controlled Substance Level 6 Felony
• Possession of a Controlled Substance Level 6 Felony

Carter was lodged in the Warren County Jail.  The driver and the other front seat passenger were not charged and released.  The investigation is continuing.

Assisting at the scene was ISP Trooper Kyle Killin.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Detectives with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes against Children unit arrested a 30-year-old Hanover man after receiving a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

That tip led investigators to the house of Kenneth Whalen, III on Grange Hall Road in Hanover, Indiana. 

Information gathered during the investigation, along with a subsequent search warrant, resulted in Kenneth Whalen being arrested on charges of Possession of Child Pornography, a Level 6 Felony, and Child Exploitation – Child Pornography, a Level 5 Felony. 

Kenneth Whalen, III was transported and remanded into the custody of the Jefferson County Jail without incident.  

The Indiana State Police were assisted by units from the Hanover PoliceDepartment and the United States Secret Service.    

Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation on May 21, 2019, after a four-week-old infant was transported by ambulance from the Sullivan County Hospital Emergency room to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, with significant life-threatening injuries.  

Arrested and Charged was: 

Dalton W. Arnold, 24, Sullivan

•  Battery resulting in protracted loss or impairment, Level 3 Felony
•  Neglect of dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, Level 3 Felony 

The investigation revealed that Dalton W. Arnold, age 24, of Sullivan, Indiana, was a live-in boyfriend who was staying with the infant and infant’s mother, and who had direct supervision of the infant when the injuries occurred.  

After reviewing the investigation, the Sullivan County Prosecutor’s Office issued an arrest warrant yesterday for Arnold.  He was arrested this morning without incident and is currently being held in the Sullivan County Jail on a $60,000 bond. 

Investigating Officer:  Indiana State Police Master Trooper Detective Ryan Winters who was assisted by Trooper Detective Michael Featherling. 

Assisting Agency:  Family Case Manager Division of Children Services.  

Executing Arrest Warrant:  Sullivan City Police Department and the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department. 

The Indiana State Police and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department received multiple complaints on possible drug activity from residents of the Dupont area over the past few months. On Thursday, a concentrated investigation and enforcement effort resulted in 8 arrests.

At approximately 2:30 p.m., Trooper Randel Miller stopped a red, 1989 Ford Contour for two traffic infractions. During the stop, criminal indicators were detected and a search resulted in locating methamphetamine, suboxone, and paraphernalia.

The driver, Travis Lee Smith, 42, Dupont, Indiana, was arrested for attempted Dealing in Methamphetamine, – Level 5 felony,  Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony, Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor, and Possession of a Controlled Substance -A Misdemeanor. 

At 10:25 p.m. on the same day, The Indiana State Police All Crimes Team, along with other Versailles troopers and Jefferson County Deputies, executed a search warrant in the 10000 block of Reynolds Road in Dupont, Indiana.  Officers seized methamphetamine, guns, and paraphernalia during the search. Child Protective Service was also called to the scene to assist due to two children being present.

The following were arrested at the Reynolds Road investigation:

Johnny J Wood, 46, Dupont:

• Dealing Methamphetamine – Level 4 felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
• Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor

Jacob Smith, Dupont:

• Dealing Methamphetamine – Level 4 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor
• Visiting a Common Nuisance – B Misdemeanor

Haley Jines, 27, Dupont:

• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6  Felony
• Possession of Paraphernalia – C Misdemeanor
• Visiting a Common nuisance, B Misdemeanor

Ralph Dale Konkle 39, Dupont:

• Visiting a Common Nuisance – B Misdemeanor

Jennifer Wood, 44, Dupont:

• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance -Level 6 Felony
• Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony
• Resisting Law Enforcement – A Misdemeanor

Amanda Andres, 27, Dupont:

• Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
• Neglect of a Dependent – Level 6 Felony
• Visiting a Common Nuisance – B Misdemeanor
• Possession of  Paraphernalia -C Misdemeanor

James Ferguson, 39, Dupont:

• Visiting a Common Nuisance – B Misdemeanor

All subjects were transported to and remanded into the custody of the Jefferson County Jail. 

Anyone with information on drug or criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Indiana StatePolice in Versailles at 812-689-5000.

A Washington man is in jail after police arrested him on charges of neglect to a one-month-old infant male.

Earlier today, Indiana State Police investigators were informed Jones was removed from life support and pronounced deceased. 

Bobby Leighty, 26, Washington, was jailed in Martin County and charged with:

Neglect Causing Serious Bodily Injury, 1 Count, IC 35-46-1-4(2), Level 3 Felony. 

Stemming from today’s passing of the child, Indiana State Police investigators will be presenting additional evidence to the Martin County Prosecutors Office in efforts to amend Leighty’s charge to: 

Neglect Resulting in Death, 1 Count, IC 35-46-1-4(3), Level 1 Felony and any additional applicable charges. 

Next of kin notifications have been completed. 

Earlier this week, Indiana State Police Detectives Shane Staggs and Brock Werne were sent to a home in Loogootee, IN, to investigate injuries to a one-month-old infant male. 

Initially, on Tuesday, July 23, Leighty, was the caretaker of one month old Kyson Jones, Loogootee.

Sometime after noon, Jones became unresponsive, at which point Leighty contacted family members who arrived at the residence a short time later. Family members then contacted 911 due to Jones still being unresponsive.

Jones was initially transported to the Daviess County Hospital, before being transported to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis via helicopter, where he has remained until today. 

The Indiana State Police along with Troopers from Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Michigan and Pennsylvania will be conducting state-wide patrols targeting violations of the “Move Over” laws in each of those states beginning Sunday, July 21, 2019.

The project, which was initially started by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, encompasses the five states that border the State of Ohio.

Troopers in all participating states will be conducting high visibility enforcement and education of the “Move Over” law.

Indiana state statute 9-21-8-35(b) requires vehicles to “move over or slow down.”

Indiana statute 9-21-8-35(b) and (c) states:

(b) Upon approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, when the authorized emergency vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:

(1) proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four (4) lanes with not less than two (2) lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or

(2) proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle to a speed at least ten (10) miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.

A person who violates this subsection commits a Class A infraction.

(c) Upon approaching a stationary recovery vehicle, a stationary utility service vehicle (as defined in IC 8-1-8.3-5), a stationary solid waste hauler, a stationary road, street, or highway maintenance vehicle, or a stationary survey or construction vehicle, when the vehicle is giving a signal by displaying alternately flashing amber lights, a person who drives an approaching vehicle shall:

(1) proceeding with due caution, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the recovery vehicle, utility service vehicle, solid waste hauler, or road, street, or highway maintenance vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four (4) lanes with not less than two (2) lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle; or

(2) proceeding with due caution, reduce the speed of the vehicle to a speed at least ten (10) miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, maintaining a safe speed for road conditions, if changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe.

A person who violates this subsection commits a Class B infraction.

On July 19, 2019, detectives were made aware that Scotty Hensley, age 35, Scottsburg, was released from Department of Corrections and had failed to register his current address as a sex offender with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. Hensley was taken into custody and transported to the Scott County Jail. Hensley was charged with FAILURE TO REGISTER AS A SEX OFFENDER and OUT OF COUNTY WARRANT.

On July 19, 2019, Reserve Deputy Phil Thomas initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle identified as Ronnie Cox, age 55, Scottsburg. Further investigation revealed Cox had a suspended driver’s licenses and out of county warrant. Cox was arrested for FAILURE TO APPEAR.

On July 19, 2019, Joshua Broughton, age 39, Scottsburg was arrested for an out of county warrant. Broughton was taken into custody and transported to the Scott County Jail.

On July 19, 2019, Deputy John Smith observed suspicious activity and initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ashley Green, age 29, Scottsburg. Further investigation revealed Green had a suspended driver’s licenses. Additionally, Green admitted to having drugs and paraphernalia in her purse within close proximity to her minor child. Deputy Smith observed paraphernalia and four (4) plastic baggies containing a crystal-like substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Green was taken into custody and transported to the Scott County Jail. The minor child was released to a caregiver. Green was charged with DRIVING WHILE SUSPENDED (SUSP/PRIOR), POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA, and MAINTAINING A COMMON NUISANCE.

On July 20, 2019, Deputy Josh Watterson and Deputy James Shelton responded to a call on Water Tower Road. Deputies were advised parties had left the area. A few moments later, Deputy Watterson observed a male, identified as Dale Fox, age 54, Scottsburg, running down Church Street after a female identified as Christy Kamman, age 39, Austin. Deputy Watterson observed both parties be verbally arguing and made attempts to separate the two individuals. Fox would not follow Deputy Watterson’s commands and continued to reach his hand into his pockets. Further investigation revealed Fox was in possession of a controlled substance located inside his pocket. Deputy Watterson and Deputy Shelton discovered a purse in the ditch line in the vicinity of Kamman. She advised the purse was her and consented to allow deputies to look in it. Deputies located a controlled substance that Kamman admitted to not having a prescription for it. Kamman was taken into custody as well and both were transported to the Scott County Jail. While being booked into the Scott County Jail, Kamman denied having any additional paraphernalia and/or drugs on her person. Jail staff discovered a syringe inside her body cavity.

Fox was charged with POSSESSION SCHEDULE I, II, III, OR IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE   and RESISTING LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Kamman was charged with POSSESSION SCHEDULE I, II, III, OR IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, UNLAWFUL POSSESSION OF SYRINGE, and FALSE INFORMING

On July 21, 2019, Deputy Joe Baker initiated a traffic stop and made contact with driver, identified as Chelsee Boccia, age 20, Elizabeth, and occupant(s), Caleb Parrish, age 19, Scottsburg, Bethanie Holder, age 19, Little York, and Kenneth Mills, age 22, Austin. Boccia admitted to having paraphernalia inside the vehicle. All occupants were requested to exit the vehicle in which they did so. Holder admitted to having a controlled substance on her person and removed from her clothing without the Deputy Baker requesting. Parrish and Mills denied any drugs and/or paraphernalia on or about their person. A search of the vehicle revealed additional paraphernalia. Inside Boccia’s purse, Deputy Baker discovered a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine and a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana. The odor of marijuana was present as well. Deputy Baker field-tested the crystal-like substance and was positive for methamphetamine. Hol der admitting to having additional drugs on her person and pulled out a baggie containing a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine as well.

Boccia was taken into custody and charged with MAINTAINING A COMMON NUISANCE, POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, POSSESSION MARIJUANA/HASH OIL/HASHISH OR SALVIA, and POSSESSION OF PARAPHERNALIA.

Holder was taken into custody and charged with POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE, POSSESSION SCHEDULE I, II, III, OR IV CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE, and VISITING A COMMON NUISANCE.

Parrish was taken into custody and charged with VISITING A COMMON NUISANCE.

Mills was taken into custody and charged with VISITING A COMMON NUISANCE.