Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troopers and Motor Carrier Inspectors from the Indiana State Police (ISP) are teaming up with officers from neighboring states to raise awareness of human trafficking Jan. 23 – 27, 2017.

The ISP, Ohio State Highway Patrol and Michigan State Police have once again partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) to educate motorists about the signs of human trafficking and to enforce laws that crack down on traffickers.

“The goal of this week-long tristate human trafficking initiative is to raise awareness and educate those individuals in positions to observe human trafficking taking place, such as commercial motor vehicle drivers, public transportation companies, rest area attendants and truck stop employees,” stated Capt. Jon Smithers, Assistant Commander of the ISP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (CVED). “These individuals are a force multiplier that can act as the eyes and ears of Indiana’s highways.” 

ISP first partnered with TAT in 2016 and is working diligently to become to become a state that has fully implemented TAT’s awareness program.  Currently three states, including Michigan, have fully implemented the program.

To report trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 888-373-7888 or text BeFree to 233733.
As of October 31, 2016 the NHTRC had received 206 calls and reported 66 cases of suspected human trafficking in Indiana.
 
For more information about TAT, visit http://truckersagainsttrafficking.org

Tara Strong stood on State Road 39 this morning with a blanket wrapped around here, extremely thankful for being there. 

“I thank God I’m here,” said Strong, of Salem.

Her White Toyota Corolla left the road about 9:20a and slid into a ditch filled with about 2 feet of water.  

“When I called 911, I was screaming and a mess,” she said.

The sense of urgency could also be heard in the 911 dispatcher’s voice when she toned out the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and Gibson Township First Responders were toned out at 9:35a. 

According to Washington County Deputy Sheriff Brent Miller, the vehicle was traveling south on SR 39 when it left the road and drove into the ditch. 

Miller pointed out that the vehicle had drove up on the west bank of the ditch and then came to rest in the bottom of the ditch. 

He noted it was extremely lucky the vehicle did not flip over on its roof. 

Strong said she crawled out the window, past a Cross hanging on her rear view mirror.

One of the family members noted the Cross and said to Strong, “You know who was with you?!!” 

A Heart Savers CPR/First Aid Class will be held at St.Vincent Salem Hospital on Saturday, February 4, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. in the classroom.

This class is for non-healthcare workers and is open to the public. It covers the needed skills for foster parents, day care workers, teachers and the general public.

The cost for the course is $40, which includes materials and must be paid the day of class. For more information, or to register, call Shelley Fultz at 896-0110.

An early morning crash killed a 60-year-old New Albany woman on US 150 east of Hardinsburg. 

The Washington County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a single vehicle crash on US 150 that took place about 9a. 

According to investigating officer, Deputy Brad Naugle, a 2005 Nissan Max driven by Elizabeth Dodge, 60, New Albany, was traveling West on US 150. 

For unknown reasons, the vehicle traveled off the right side of the road striking a utility pole. The Nissan continued back onto the roadway and off the left side coming to rest in a field. 

Dodge was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The crash is still under investigation. 

Assisting officers were Sheriff Roger Newlon and Deputy Mark Blackman. Other departments involved were the Posey Township First Responders, Washington County EMS, Washington County Cororoner’s Office and Kentucky 7 Air Ambulance. 

Sitting slumped over with shaggy hair drooping down to cover his face, 20-year-old Josh Rainbolt sat in the Washington County Courthouse answering questions posed by Circuit Court Judge Larry Medlock while fighting back tears. 

Rainbolt was arrested last Thursday evening and accused of murdering his high school classmate, 20-year-old Blake Box-Skinner, who was found dead in a shed outside the home they shared north of Campbellsburg. 

According to police records, Box-Skinner had not been in contact with family since Monday, Jan. 9 and Box-Skinner’s uncle (and Indiana State Trooper) Jonathan Cain went to check on him, along with his mother and father on the afternoon of Jan. 12 to the residence at 10609 West Lost River Road in Campbellsburg. 

According to police, they found Box-Skinner’s body in a shed behind the house. This led to an investigation with the ISP and Washington County Sheriff’s Department and Rainbolt’s arrest.

Rainbolt in his first public hearing after his arrest, appeared before Judge Medlock to answer a few initial questions and then was posed with the question about legal representation.

“Do you or will you plan to hire an attorney to represent you,” asked Medlock.

Through sobs, Rainbolt answered,”I don’t know.”

Medlock asked him if he was able to afford an attorney and Rainbolt answered back, “No.”

“Do your parents plan to hire an attorney for you,” asked Medlock. Again, Rainbolt answered, “I don’t know.”

Moving to the Prosecution, Medlock asked if there was any additional information other than the probable cause affidavit filed last week.

Prosecuting Attorney Dustin Houchin admitted that to the court and went on to interview ISP Detective Josh Banet.

Banet said he participated in the interview with Rainbolt and also was present while he was interviewed by someone else.

During that interview, Banet said, Rainbolt admitted that he shot Box-Skinner in the back of the head with a shotgun.

Banet also said Rainbolt told police he had disposed of the gun by throwing it into White River off a bridge at Ft. Ritner.

Banet said the investigation was continuing.

Medlock said he was going to enter an initial plea of Non-Guilty and had appointed Public Defender Mark Clark to meet with Rainbolt initially.

Also, based on the initial evidence, Medlock said no bail would be granted.

“If after you meet with your attorney, you decide you want to ask for bail, you will let the court know and we’ll set a hearing for that,” said Medlock.

Rainbolt faces charges of Murder and Obstruction of Justice. 

The murder charge could bring between 45-60 years and carry a $10,000 fine. 

The obstruction charge could also carry a $10,000 fine and include a jail term. 

The pre-trial hearing is set for Feb. 23 in Circuit Court with the jury trial set for June 6.