FC court news

Supplied by the Franklin Circuit Court Clerk’s Office

Possession of methamphetamine

Elijah B. Paul pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 24 months in the Franklin County Security Center (FCSC) with 12 months suspended to probation. He was given jail time credit from Dec. 9, 2019 until the date of sentencing Aug. 4. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months and was ordered to pay the Probation Users’ Fee (PUF) of $100 and a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay an Administrative Fee of $100 and a Countermeasure Fee of $200. An additional condition of probation is defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration.

Tamela A. Conley pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with nine months suspended to probation. She was fined $1 and $185 costs. She was placed on probation for nine months and was ordered to pay a $100 PUF and a $30 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $500 Countermeasure Fee. An additional condition of probation is defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration. The defendant shall testify to the truth in all companion cases. She pleaded guilty to Possession of a Syringe as a Level 6 Felony, and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with nine months suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. She pleaded guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, as a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 12 months in the FCSC with three months suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentences imposed in Counts I and II. She pleaded guilty to Visiting a Common Nuisance, as a class B misdemeanor, and was sentenced to six months in the FCSC to be served concurrent to sentences imposed in Counts I, II and III. She received jail-time credit from Jan. 23 until the date of sentencing, Aug. 4.

Phillip D. Horn pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 12 months suspended to probation to be served consecutive to sentences in two other felony cases. He received credit for one-day of jail-credit time. He was fined $250 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 and a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. An additional condition of probation is defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration.

Possession of a syringe

Danniel A. Huston pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 17 months in the FCSC with six months suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for six months and was ordered to pay a PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. An additional condition of probation is defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration. He also pleaded guilty to Driving while Suspended, as a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 11 months in the FCSC to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. His Operator’s License was suspended for one year effective at the date of sentencing, Aug. 4. He pleaded guilty to Operating a Vehicle with a Controlled Substance, as a class C misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC to be served concurrent with the sentences imposed in Counts I and II. His Operator’s License was suspended for 60 days effective at sentencing.

Daniel R. Massey pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 24 months in the FCSC with 10 months suspended to probation to be served consecutive to a sentence in another matter. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 10 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. An additional condition of probation is defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration.

Richard Blanton pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 11 months and 15 days in the FCSC. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was ordered to pay a $200 Countermeasure Fee. He pleaded guilty to Maintaining a Common Nuisance, as a Level 6 Felony, and was sentenced to 11 months and 15 days in the FCSC to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. He pleaded guilty to Counterfeiting, as a Level 6 Felony, and was sentenced to 11 months and 15 days to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Counts I and II.

False informing

James R. Acra Jr., pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC. He was fined $1 and $185 costs.

Public intoxication

Garry M. Cain pleaded guilty as a class B misdemeanor and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with 172 days suspended to probation. He was ordered to complete 10 hours of Community Service. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 172 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. He pleaded guilty to Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated, as a class C misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. His Operator’s License was suspended for 60 days effective on his sentencing date, July 23. He received four days jail credit.

Operating a vehicle under lifetime suspension

Chad T. Morrison pleaded guilty as a Level 5 Felony and was sentenced to 72 months in prison with all time suspended to probation except 615 days. He was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. He was placed probation for 1,575 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for life. He was ordered to pay restitution of $1,000 to a person and $1,815 to REMC. He pleaded guilty to Criminal Conversion, as a Level 6 Felony, and was sentenced to 20 months in prison to be served concurrent with the sentence imposed in Count I. He pleaded guilty to Leaving the Scene of an Accident, as a class B misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC to be served concurrent to the sentences imposed in Counts I and II.

David W. Carlin pleaded guilty as a Level 5 Felony and was sentenced to six years in prison with two years suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. He was ordered to pay the PUF $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay the Administration Fee of $100. His Operator’s License was suspended for life. He pleaded guilty to Possession of Methamphetamine, as a Level 6 Felony, and was sentenced to 30 months in prison to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. He was ordered to pay a $200 Countermeasure Fee.

Resisting law enforcement

Israel N. Bell pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 545 days in the FCSC with 461 days suspended to probation. He received good-time credit from Jan. 2, 2019 to Jan. 13, 2019 and 30 days credit for successful completion of in-patient treatment spent at Tara Treatment Center. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 461 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee. An additional condition of probation is defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration. He also pleaded guilty to Domestic Battery, as a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with 281 days suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentence imposed in Count I. He is prohibited from possessing firearms by operation of law. He pleaded guilty to Possession of a Controlled Substance, as a class A misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with 281 days suspended to probation to be served concurrent to the sentences imposed in Counts I and II.

Operating a vehicle while intoxicated

Hayley S. Smith pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. She was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. She was placed on probation for 60 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. Her Operator’s License was suspended for 60 days retroactive to the finding of Probable Cause on June 22. The state is not opposed to the defendant receiving specialized driving privileges for work, medical care for her mother during the administrative suspension.

Driving while suspended

Daniel Massey pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 365 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $1 and $185 costs. He was placed on probation for 365 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee. His Operator’s License was suspended for 180 days effective at sentencing on July 16.

Counterfeiting

Paula S. Cooper pleaded guilty as a Level 6 Felony and was sentenced to 18 months in the FCSC with 16 months suspended to probation. She was fined $250 and $185 costs. She was placed on probation for 16 months and was ordered to pay the PUF of $100 plus a $30 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $100 Administrative Fee. She was ordered to pay $70 in restitution to be paid in full 30 days after sentencing on July 16. She is eligible to serve the executed portion of her sentence on in-home detention through the Fayette County Community Corrections. Upon successful completion of probation, if the defendant pays all restitution and complies with all other terms of probation, the state is not opposed to the judgment of conviction being entered as a misdemeanor. She received jail-time credit from Sept. 23, 2019 to Sept. 25, 2019.

Reckless driving

Suzanne Smith pleaded guilty, as a class C misdemeanor, and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with 58 days suspended to probation. She was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. She was placed on probation for 58 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. She was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee. She received jail-time credit for one day served.

Passing school bus when arm signal is extended

Glenn H. Glardon pleaded guilty as a class A misdemeanor and was sentenced to 180 days in the FCSC with all time suspended to probation. He was fined $250 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 180 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee.

Minor consuming

Blaze K. Propes pleaded guilty as a class C misdemeanor and was sentenced to 60 days in the FCSC with 58 days suspended to probation. He was given credit for one day jail-time credit. He was ordered to complete 20 hours of Community Service. He was fined $1 and $185.50 costs. He was placed on probation for 58 days and was ordered to pay the PUF of $50 plus a $20 monthly fee. He was ordered to pay a $50 Administrative Fee and a $200 Countermeasure Fee. An additional condition of probation is defendant shall schedule an appointment for evaluation at a treatment facility approved by probation within seven days of release from incarceration.

OCRA announced COVID-19-related Main Street grant program

Press release from Melissa Thomas Office of Community and Rural Affairs

Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) today launched Taking Care of Main Street, a new program to provide operational support for Indiana Main Street programs.

“Downtowns are the heartbeats of our rural communities, and we recognize the significant impact our businesses and organizations have faced throughout this pandemic,” said Lt. Gov. Crouch. “Indiana Main Street organizations continue to serve as vital resources, particularly in our small and rural areas, and this is yet another way we can support them in their efforts.”

The goal is to support Indiana Main Street organizations that provide leadership and activities to the public, using the Main Street Approach™, with special attention to organizations who have been significantly impacted by COVID-19.

“Supporting our Main Street organizations who may be struggling financially due to COVID-19 is crucial for our Indiana downtown corridors,” said Matt Crouch, interim executive director of OCRA. “By providing this grant, these organizations will be able to continue to provide direct assistance to local small businesses who need the help as they adjust business models and follow CDC Guidelines.”

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to at least 40 Main Street programs based on demonstration of the following:

  • A designated Indiana Main Street with an operational history of at least two consecutive years;
  • Demonstrated impact of COVID-19 on their Main Street community;
  • Provided explanation of how a reduction of funds has impacted the program’s activities;
  • Explanation of how funds will assist the organization and what future funding will support;
  • Demonstrated operating costs in excess of $10,000;
  • A current work plan; and
  • rural/urban representation of applicants.

Eligible expenses could include salaries, administrative/consultant fees, space/equipment rental or staff development and training. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and can be submitted at any time after Wednesday August 5. Each eligible application will be reviewed and awarded by OCRA on a first come, first serve basis until funds are depleted. Upon receiving a fully executed grant agreement, the grantee will receive 100 percent of the grant award.

Applications are now open and only online applications will be accepted. For more program information, visit www.in.gov/ocra/3016.htm.     

UCCCJSD Board of Trustees push the start of school back one day to Thursday, August 13, adjust school calendar

By John Estridge

Union County College Corner Joint School District Board of Trustees pushed the 2020-21 school year’s first day back one day from Wednesday, August 12 to Thursday, August 13.

The reasoning is to allow teachers to have an extra day to prepare for this school year.

School board member Jessica Jones has lobbied hard during the last couple of meetings for the teachers in the school district to have extra time to prepare for the school year in this unprecedented situation. To make this work, the school board changed the school calendar during a special meeting Thursday morning, August 6. Monday, September 28 is a parent/teacher conference while students have an e-learning day. And Presidents Day, Monday, February 15, 2021, was a snow make-up day, but it is now a regular school day.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Law graduates eight

2020 conservation officer graduation

Source: Indiana Conservation Capt. Jet Quillen

The Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement added eight new Indiana Conservation Officers during graduation ceremonies Thursday, August 6, at the Indiana Government Center South in Indianapolis.

Conservation Officer Jim Schreck, the 2019 James D. Pitzer Officer of the Year, administered the oath of office to the recruits, who will fill positions in various locations around the state.

“This is a day all Indiana Conservation Officers remember for the rest of their career,” said Col. Steve Hunter, division director. “It is a culmination of all the hard work and sacrifice these officers have made over the past year.”

The new officers represent the 38th recruit class of Indiana Conservation Officers, the oldest state law enforcement agency in Indiana.

The officers and assignment locations, by county, are Nathan Cooper (Blackford), Conner Henderson (Johnson), Cole Hollingsworth (Wayne), Hunter Loller (Marion), Christopher Long (Ohio), Kaley McDonald (Monroe), Jason Neal (Howard), and Isaac Saxton (Allen).

The new officers underwent four weeks of initial core values training followed by a 15-week basic law enforcement academy. Upon completion of the academy, officers then completed an additional nine weeks of essential training before completing 90 shifts of field training.

The DNR employs 214 conservation officers who, in addition to enforcing state laws, are often called upon to help during emergencies and natural disasters. Conservation officers also engage in outdoor instructional programs, including boater, hunter, snowmobile, and trapper education. Specialty response units that are available statewide through DNR Law Enforcement include river rescue, cave rescue, underwater search and recovery, and K-9 teams.

Construction ongoing at Heap Hofer Aquatic Center in Brookville

By John Estridge

Construction is ongoing at the $3.7 million Heap Hofer Aquatic Center in Brookville.

Set to open in the late spring/early summer 2021, the facility will offer a family slide, a big slide and three tipping buckets in the shallow water.

The Heap Memorial Pool was forced to shut down at the beginning of the 2016 season due to a huge leak that was discovered the previous year. A consultant, hired by the town, said the money needed to fix the leak would just be a temporary fix due to the pool’s age. The consultant advised either to completely shut down the pool and not have a pool for the town and the county or plan to build a new one.

When it was decided to build an aquatic center, the Heap Hofer Aquatic Center Committee sprang into action and took part in an amazing fundraising effort, bringing in about $2.5 million. The Town of Brookville will supply another $1.2 million to make the construction possible.

INDOT’s new facility off Ind. 101 north of Brookville

By John Estridge

Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is busy constructing new subdistrict facilities on Indiana 101 north of Brookville across from Hickory Woods Campground with a private lane separating the INDOT property from Hautau Tube Cutoff Systems.

According to information from Natalie Garrett, public relations director, Southeast District, INDOT, the new facility will include office space for subdistrict personnel as well as a garage area to clean, repair and maintain INDOT’s equipment. A storage area for salt will also be on site so INDOT can properly store salt and brine needed to de-ice roadways during winter operations.

Three buildings will be at the new unit.

Current completion is slated for December 2020.

INDOT will offer the current facility, near the intersection of Ninth and Mill streets in Brookville, for sale once everything is moved to the new location, Garrett said.

Unauthorized control over an excavator leads to property damage and investigation in Union County

By John Estridge

Someone exerted unauthorized control over an excavator at a construction site behind Frames off Indiana 101, south of Liberty late Tuesday night, August 4.

According to information from the Union County Sheriff’s Department, the agency received a call about 10:30 p.m., saying an excavator went through a privacy fence belonging to a property owner in that area.

An officer went to the scene and saw the excavator and the damage to the fence. It is believed the damage to the fence is around $500-700.

The excavator’s key was left on the excavator. Whoever exerted unauthorized control over the equipment took the key from where it was stored and put it in the excavator’s ignition, police said. Police are looking at footage from various security cameras in the area. The investigation is ongoing.

ISDH releases its daily COVID-19 report with FC positive test results increasing by three and UC’s increasing by two

By John Estridge

Indiana State Department of Health recently released its daily update on the number of COVID-19 positive test results and deaths in the counties and in Indiana as a whole.

Franklin County’s positive test results went up by three to 234 while Union County’s went up by two to 35.

No new deaths related to COVID-19 were reported in either county with FC’s remaining at 13 and UC’s at zero.

Of those tested in the last seven days, in FC, 17.7 percent of those tested came back positive. In UC, the rate is 6.4 percent.