BPD being investigated by ISP following allegations charges were filed on Brookville man to keep him from running for Town Council seat

By John Estridge

The Brookville Police Department is being investigated by the Indiana State Police following a Suppression Hearing in Franklin Circuit Court 2 on Tuesday, July 19, leading to charges against two Brookville men being dismissed.

According to a press release provided by the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office and FC Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp, the impetus behind the charges was to keep Trevin Thalheimer from running for a Brookville Town Council position.

Huerkamp said that information came out during the suppression hearing.

“In the hearing, a witness testified that she had been contacted by the investigating officer about seeking the vacant town board seat that Thalheimer was pursuing,” Huerkamp’s press release states. “This call was confirmed to have taken place earlier in the same week in which the search warrant was executed. The investigating officer told her that Thalheimer was thought to be anti-police and that she would have the support of the Brookville Police Department if she pursued the seat herself. The witness found the call to be very odd and did not think much of it until she saw in the newspaper the next week that Thalheimer had been arrested by the same officer that had contacted her out of the blue. The investigating officer, in open Court, having been confronted by Defense attorneys and Prosecutor Huerkamp regarding numerous unconventional, but not necessarily improper, steps in the application and execution of the search warrant, eventually acknowledged that the investigation was motivated by political purposes regarding Thalheimer’s candidacy and his purported insufficiently pro-Brookville Police Department views. The investigating officer also claimed that he was directed in his efforts by his superiors, including the additional probable cause arrest and booking for the unrelated investigation from nine-months prior.”

Brookville Police applied for and received a search warrant to search the home of Thalheimer and Garrett Pierce. Brookville Police Officers alleged to have found some drugs during the search.

“On January 30, 2022, members of the Brookville Police served a search warrant on the residence of Trevin Thalheimer and Garrett Pierce,” the press release states. “According to the report that was later forwarded to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office, the officers recovered some marijuana, paraphernalia, and legend (prescription-only) drugs. The Brookville officers booked Pierce into jail on charges related to the search warrant execution.”

According to an Information document filed by Huerkamp on February 14, 2022, Thalheimer and Pierce were each charged with a Level 6 Felony, as well as a Class B and a Class C misdemeanor.

Brookville Police Officer Ryan Geiser was noted in the Information documents as the police officer giving the information for the formal charges.

However, police were trying to get Thalheimer on another, much older case with more serious charges.

“Thalheimer, in addition to charges from the search warrant, was also booked into the Franklin County Security Center based on the officers’ assertion of probable cause for an unrelated investigation involving allegations against Thalheimer that had been assigned to another Brookville officer (who had nothing to do with the search warrant investigation) in late May 2021,” Huerkamp states in his press release. “At the time, regarding the nine-month-old allegations, no formal charges were being pursued by the Franklin Prosecutor’s Office and no arrest warrant had been issued. Franklin County Prosecutor Chris Huerkamp had several months prior been apprised of the allegations and presented with the investigating officer’s preliminary report, but neither he nor any member of his staff had been consulted prior to the decision made by members of the Brookville Police Department to assert the nine-month-old allegations as the basis for a probable cause arrest and additional booking charge on January 30.”

No formal charges on the older investigation have ever been filed by the prosecutor’s office.

Pierce had Rushville attorney Paul Barada and Thalheimer hired Brookville attorney Jud McMillin to represent them.

A Motion to Suppress saying the defendants’ Constitutional rights had been violated was filed and the Suppression Hearing was initially set for May 5 but was rescheduled several times at the request of the defense, Huerkamp’s press release states.

After hearing the testimony provided by the witnesses at the Suppression Hearing, Huerkamp joined the defense attorneys in asking the charges be dismissed.

“At the conclusion of the evidence, Prosecutor Huerkamp, who represented the State in the hearing, was compelled to join the Defendant’s Motion to Suppress, and he moved to dismiss both cases on the spot,” the press release states.

Huerkamp, who was also an assistant prosecutor in Hamilton County Ohio prior to moving to Franklin County where he served first as an assistant prosecutor under long-time prosecutor Mel Willhelm, said he has never experienced anything like the actions of the police described by the witnesses at the Suppression Hearing.

“Based on what I heard in open court, I am disturbed beyond words at the conduct of this investigation and arrest,” Huerkamp said in his press release. “Even though I was present in the Courtroom for all of it, I will reserve further comment until I have had a chance to review the transcript in its entirety.”  

Huerkamp has requested a transcript of the hearing and vows to make the transcript public when he receives it from the court. Certain facts in the transcript will be redacted due to privacy issues, Huerkamp said.  

“Neither the names of the witnesses who testified at the hearing nor other individuals mentioned in the testimony will be identified by the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office at this time,” Huerkamp said in the press release. “Because the nine-month-old allegations and investigation mentioned previously have not resulted in the filing of any formal charges, no additional details regarding that matter will be released at this time, either.”

Immediately following the hearing, Huerkamp contacted the Indiana State Police and requested that they initiate an investigation of the Brookville Police Department.

Huerkamp asserted the actions alleged in the Suppression Hearing is aberrant to the way the other police agencies associated with the county do their jobs.

“Finally, Huerkamp wanted to make it clear that the actions by one or more members of one department should not reflect upon the excellent work of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, Indiana State Police, Batesville Police Department, Department of Natural Resources, and other smaller county agencies,” Huerkamp’s press release states. “Huerkamp noted that the Brookville Police Department is currently the only full-time police agency in the jurisdiction with no recording devices whatsoever—no dash cameras, body cams, or audio.”

BTC President Curtis Ward’s construction company to receive taxpayer money to renovate Zimmer Building

By John Estridge

Brookville Town Council President Curtis Ward read four Conflict of Interest statements into record at the last BTC meeting.

He did it without comment and none of the other council members commented.

One of the Conflicts is with the Zimmer Building.

Taxpayers purchased the Zimmer Building for $600,000. Originally, the purchase was to move town hall to that location. However, that changed, and the police station is now going to be placed in the Zimmer Building. Usually, public bids are let for contractors on a public project such as this. But the way BTC members decided to do it, there are no bids.

The first Conflict of Interest statement concerns Ward’s and his brother’s construction company getting the work and getting paid for its work on a building purchased by taxpayers, and taxpayers are financing its renovation. No dollar amount has been stated on what renovations will cost the taxpayers.

Under Description of Contract(s) or Purchase(s), Ward typed:

“GM Development was selected to help purchase, renovate and transfer a municipal police station to the town of Brookville end of 2021. GM Develeopment [sp] is using the Build, Operate Transfer mechanism to complete the project and looked for local contractors to perform various types of work. My brother [w]as selected as a sub contractor [should be one word] and is a co-owner of a joint business venture with me (RBWB LLC). RBWB LLC will also be a subcontractor for the misc construction repairs. Brookville Town Council has no influence or involvement in the subcontractor selection process. Invoices will be submitted on a time and material basis to GM Development. The town of Brookville does not currently own or occupy the structure.”

Under Description of My Financial Interest, Ward typed:

“Approximate dollar value is not reasonably determinable. Invoices will be submitted to GM Development for payment and not to the town of Brookville. GM Development had other contractors back out of the project due to costs and or time constraints prior to starting. To date, no contracts between RBWB LLC and GM Development have been signed and no invoices or payments have been rendered.”

Greg Martz of GM Development LLC was contacted concerning this article. At this time, he has not responded to a request for comment. If he answers questions, his answers will be added to this article.

Another Conflict of Interest Statement concerns the sale of the Brookville Police Station on Main Street.

Ward wrote under the guise of Century 21 (Real Estate).

“I have clients past and present who are interested in purchasing the current police dept on Main Street. I also have a business partner and real estate investment company interested in the real estate.”

Under the Description of My Financial Interest which includes the instruction wording: “(Describe in what manner the public servant or ‘dependent’ expects to derive a profit or financial benefit from, or otherwise has a pecuniary interest in, the above contract(s) or purchase(s); if reasonable determinable, state the approximate dollar value of such profit or benefit.)”

Ward answered “NA.”

The third Conflict of Interest statement concerns the town’s sale of the Old Street Department building. The Street Department is also going to be located at the Zimmer Building.

Curtis is also writing as owner of Century 21.

“Sale of Old Street Dept on Sr 252 (4th St). I have past, current clients who expressed interest and/or a business partner interested in purchasing.”

NA was also used as the answer to Description of My Financial Interest.

The fourth Conflict of Interest statement is regarding the $1 million grant program hosted by Main Street Inc. Ward was one of the instrumental players who worked to get the grant from the state.

Again, Ward is writing as the Century 21 owner.

“I have clients past and present who are eligible for the preserving Main St façade grant.”

And like two of the other three Conflict of Interest statements, Curtis put NA under the Description of My Financial Interest.

Ward was under an Indiana State Police investigation for Conflict of Interest regarding the taxpayers’ purchase of the Pig in a Poke Golf Course for $1 million. Ward purchased property adjacent to the golf course prior to the taxpayers’ purchase.

Obituary for Tricia A. Hildebrand

TRICIA A. HILDEBRAND

Tricia A. Hildebrand, age 66, of Brookville, died Friday, July 22, 2022, at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.  

Born May 26, 1956, in Centerville, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late Paul and Rose (Eiler) Lusenhop. On September 3, 2010, she was united in marriage to Martin Hildebrand, and he survives.

Tricia was retired, having worked for many years at Mercy Hospital as a Social Worker. In her leisure time, she enjoyed her pets, spending time with family and friends, as well as shopping. 

Besides Marty, survivors include two brothers Jeff (Ky) Lusenhop of South Carolina and Alan Lusenhop of Ligonier; several nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Sandi Lusenhop.

Family and friends may visit from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Ave., Brookville.

Rev. Vincent Lampert will officiate the Funeral Services at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home in Brookville. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the Donors choice. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to once again serve the Hildebrand family. To sign the online guest book or send personal condolences, please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.

Obituary for Edward John Hollenbach (Complete)

EDWARD JOHN HOLLENBACH

Edward John Hollenbach, age 83, of Brookville, died Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at his residence in Brookville.

Born April 13, 1939, in Connersville, he was the son of the late Edward D. and Ruby M. (Bruns) Hollenbach. He was a United States Army Veteran.  He was united in marriage to the former Jane Robinson, and she survives.

Ed was retired from Proctor & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio, having worked for more than 35 years as a chemist. He had also served as the Director of the Franklin County Emergency Services for 26 years. In his leisure time, he enjoyed woodworking.

He had been a member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, the former Brookville Jaycees, as well as the American Oil Chemist’s Society.       

Besides his loving wife, Jane, survivors include two children, Chris (Joyce) Hollenbach of Brookville, and Kim Hollenbach of Washington State; a brother, Richard Hollenbach of Brookville; seven grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Alice J. Knight.

Private Funeral Services will be conducted for the family with burial in Maple Grove Cemetery in Brookville.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.  The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home is honored to serve the Hollenbach family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com

Obituary for Garry Barrett

GARRY BARRETT

Garry Barrett, 69, of Connersville, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022. He was born in Breathitt County, Kentucky, on March 1, 1953, to the late Thomas Sr. and Kathleen Gross Barrett.

Garry worked most of his adult life at Don Barrett’s Carpet as a carpet installer. In the 1970s, Garry also taught many students at the vocational school in Connersville how to lay flooring.

Mr. Barrett treasured the life he lived. He loved everything about cars, from the thrill of driving them, to the detail of mechanic work, and the satisfaction of a paint job, which he gave them. He was most known to drive a Ford Mustang. Garry appreciated having a moment to relax while casting his fishing line. Most importantly, Garry enjoyed sharing jokes to make his family and friends laugh and smile.

Garry is survived by his children Krista Buchannon and Damon Walcott. He will be deeply missed by his siblings; brothers: Daniel (Linda) Barrett, Arthur (Janet) Barrett, David Barrett, Thomas Jr. (Jenny), and George (Paula Reese) Barrett; and sisters; Christine Schocke, Lois (Chuck) Miller, Norma (Mark) Mast, Linda (Ken) Sanders and sister-in-law Karen Barrett. His memories will be forever cherished by his several nieces and nephews.

Garry was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Henry Barrett, sister, Caroleen Barrett; and brother-in-law, John Schocke.

Friends and family may gather at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street Connersville, IN, on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, from 12 pm to 2 pm with a funeral service beginning at 2 pm with Pastor Mike Horning officiating.

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Obituary for Randy Delmer Shepler

RANDY DELMER SHEPLER

Randy Delmer Shepler, 68, of Connersville, peacefully went home to be with the Lord Thursday, July 21, 2022, at Major Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana.

He was born October 16, 1953, in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, one of seven children of Delmer and Barbara Fuesler Shepler.

A veteran, he served his country in the Indiana National Guard for 13 years.

On March 17, 2002, he was married in Christchurch, New Zealand to Cindy Andrews, and they came to Connersville for residence.

For many years, he was employed at Design & Manufacturing. After that, he worked as a residential carpenter. He later became employed at Residential CRF for 10 years.

Randy was a member of Crosspointe Biker Church. In his leisure, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, trapping, and camping with family and friends.

Besides his wife, Cindy Shepler, he is survived by four children, Aaron (Emily) Shepler of Willard, Wisconsin, Jeremy (Melanie) Styles, Matthew (Eryn) Styles, and Stace Styles, all of Christchurch, New Zealand; 14 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; two brothers, Steve (Tammy) Shepler and Darrell (Mary Beth) Morehead, both of Connersville; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a sister-in-law, Mel Reeves of Christchurch, New Zealand.

Other than his parents, Randy is preceded in death by a daughter, Michelle Rios-Shepler; three brothers, William “Bill” Shepler, Michael Shepler, and Richard Shepler; and one sister, Wendie Shepler.

Friends may visit from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at Crosspointe Biker Church located at 1130 Baseline Rd., Connersville. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with Pastor Chris Lovett officiating. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.

Obituary for Beulah “Bee” Howard Matney

BEULAH “BEE” HOWARD MATNEY

Beulah “Bee” Howard Matney passed from our world into Glory Land on Monday July 18, 2022, while residing at Heritage House Senior Care Facility, Connersville. Bee was one of four children, a twin sister and two brothers, born to Almer and Ada Mae Robey on February 22, 1922, at a farm outside of Stamping Ground, Kentucky. The twins were placed in shoeboxes and set on the open door of the wood cook stove as an incubator.

Bee faced and conquered unknown challenges in her life: Crippled but surviving the Polio Epidemic at age 3 and total deafness at age 8. She developed a strong constitution. Her last desire was to live to be 100, which she accomplished February 22, 2022. She lived thru many historical events in the 20th and 21st centuries including the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War, Vietnam, 9/11, and the Covid Pandemic. She also had a wonderful sense of humor (this description was taken from a Facebook article by Andrea Raham, great granddaughter).

Bee married James Robert Howard on August 5, 1939, in Georgetown, Kentucky. He died June 10, 1994. After the passing of her husband, she married John Matney in Orange. He died on January 7, 2011.

Bee was quite active through the years, raising four children, being a farmer’s wife, home economics, an avid quilter, working at Philco Ford and volunteering for the American Red Cross. Bee loved playing card games, working on jigsaw puzzles, camping and animals of all shapes, sizes, and colors.

She is survived by three children: Maxine (David) Raham, Gary Doug (Heather) Howard, and Steven (Dee) Howard; grandchildren, Kymberly Raham of Litchfield, AZ, Dr. Vance (Regina) Raham of Statesboro, GA, Vincent Raham of Peoria, AZ, Michelle (Chris) Woods of Cascade, MT, Angie (Jr) Caudill of Connersville, Sarah (Brandon) Pennington of Cambridge City, Stephanie (Ray) Scanlon of Cambridge City, James Steele (Genevieve) Howard of New Orleans, LA, Devon Jordan, Samantha Scholl, Amanda Hurst, Breanna Moore all of Connersville. She is also survived by her great grandchildren, Crystal Pugh, Kristina Raham, Rachel Sterhle, Jessica Hentz, Andrea Raham, Tayler and Bryce Pennington, Brayden and Kinley Scanlon, Jennifer, Angie, Chrissey, Brittny, Jay, and Ty McMullen and Megan, Nicole, Kelsey, and Haley Fischer; as well as 10 great great-grandchildren.

Besides her parents and husbands, she is preceded in death by her twin sister, Eula Mahan; son Randy Howard, and brothers, Franklin and Kenneth Robey.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions made to Higher Praise Worship Center.

Graveside rites will be conducted at Dale Cemetery, Connersville, by Reverend Richard Ware of Higher Praise Worship Center on Saturday July 23, 2022, at 1 pm. 

Urban Winkler Funeral Home is honored to assist Bee’s family with the arrangements. 

Obituary for Jonathan A. “Andy” Sidell

JONATHAN A. “ANDY” SIDELL

Jonathan A. “Andy” Sidell, age 43 of Connersville, passed away on July 19, 2022, at Reid Healthcare in Richmond. Andy was born on March 25, 1979, in Rushville, the son of David and Diana Mosley Sidell. 

He had received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Administration and Certificate for Human Resource Management from Ivy Tech in 2016. He worked as a salesman and in customer service for Straight Talk Wireless in Richmond and Connersville.

Andy loved cooking for his family and friends. He enjoyed being outdoors, finding it very relaxing while kayaking and boating. He also found joy in riding around in the Razor with his sister, Michelle. Above all, he valued spending time with his family and making his nephews laugh. Andy loved working with plants. He was known to have a very green thumb and could turn any plant into a thing of beauty.

Those surviving who will cherish his love and memories include his parents, brothers, James D. Sidell of Louisville, Kentucky, Joshua (Jessica) Sidell of Connersville and Josh (Anita) Cheney of New Orleans, Louisiana; sisters, Michelle (Daniel) St. Clair of Connersville, Carolyn Collins of Wendell, North Carolina and Ana (Oscar Almaguer) Villar of Miami, Florida. He will be thought of often by his nephews, Arthur and Samuel Sidell; his best friend, Jenn Bryant of Columbus, Ohio; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, James and Betty Mosley; paternal grandparents, Donald and Lonnie Sidell; uncles, Terry Mosley and Ronnie Sidell; and aunts, Dorothy Neukam and Rita Adams.

Funeral services will be conducted at Urban Winkler Funeral Home, 513 W 8th Street, Connersville, on Friday July 29, 2022, at 2 pm where friends and family may gather from 12 noon until the time of the service. 

Obituary for Mary K. “Kathy” Kibbey Lunsford

MARY K. “KATHY” KIBBEY LUNSFORD

Mary K. “Kathy” Kibbey Lunsford, 80, of Connersville, went home peacefully to be with the Lord, Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Reid Health, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born March 7, 1942, in Grayson, Kentucky, one of six children of Herbert Palmer and Sally Alice Smith Kibbey, and at the age of six months, she moved with her family to Connersville. She was an honored graduate of the Connersville High School class of 1959.

On June 28, 1958, she married the love of her life, James Lewis Lunsford, in Connersville. Mr. Lunsford survives.

For 10 years, Kathy was employed at the Connersville News Examiner. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma and was greatly loved by family and friends.

She loved traveling with her husband, James, especially out West. A loving homemaker, Kathy enjoyed flower gardening, watching birds with her binoculars, and cooking.

A long-time member of Western Avenue Baptist Church, Kathy was very involved as a Sunday school teacher, piano player, singer, guitar player, and prayer leader/warrior. She was a devoted Christian who loved studying God’s Word.
Survivors include her husband of 64 years, James Lewis Lunsford; five children, Rhonda Faye Hinshaw of Connersville, James Gregory (Deborah) Lunsford of Connersville, Mary Elizabeth (James) Sourbeer of Milton, Steven Wade (Faye) Lunsford of Connersville, and Jeffrey L. Lunsford of Connersville; 10 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren; two sisters, Elaine (Carlos) Toler of Falmouth, and Bernadine (Paul) Ewing of Connersville; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides her parents, she is preceded in death by two grandchildren, Miranda Lunsford and Sarah Lunsford; a sister, Rosalee Lykins; and two brothers, Vernon Kibbey and Palmer Kibbey.

Family and friends may visit from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday, July 25, 2022, at Western Avenue Baptist Church located at 2800 Western Ave., Connersville. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. with Reverend Troy Bishop officiating. Burial will be at Columbia Cemetery. Miller, Moster, Robbins Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Kathy to Western Avenue Baptist Church. Online condolences may be made anytime at millermosterrobbins.com.