On Friday, August 13, at about 2pm, the Ripley County Communications Center received a call of a single vehicle accident on SR 129 near Halcomb’s Home Center.  Units responding arrived to find a 2007 International semi tractor driven by David Scales, Amelia, OH, was driving north and had driven off the road striking the guardrail.  That action caused his load, several bunks of sheetrock, to shift causing the tractor and trailer to overturn.  Scales received minor injuries in the accident and was able to walk away.  SR 129 was closed for a couple hours while the drywall and tractor-trailer were removed.  Sheriff Grills is the investigating officer and was assisted at the scene by other deputies of the Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, Rescue 69, Versailles Fire, Ripley County Paramedics, and Indiana State Highway Dept.  The accident is still under investigation.

On Saturday, August 7th, 2010 at approximately 11:55 PM, Ripley County Sheriff’s Officers responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving injuries located on SR 101 at the intersection of CR 600 north, approximately 2 miles north of Milan in Ripley County.

Evidence at the scene determined that 17 year old Tanner L. Tucker of Versailles Indiana, had been traveling south on SR 101 operating a black 2002 Pontiac Grand AM when for unknown reasons the vehicle left the roadway on the right side colliding with the large Oak tree at the intersection.

Tucker, who was the only occupant of the vehicle, did not survive the accident, being pronounced dead at the scene.

The accident is currently under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office who were assisted at the scene by Ripley County Medic, Milan Rescue 30, Milan Fire, Milan Police Department, Sunman Police Department and the Ripley County Coroner.

Scam tries to fool seniors over health-care rebate
Fraudulent callers claim new forms, numbers, permissions required

 to get $250 Medicare rebate

INDIANAPOLIS (July 16, 2010) – No matter what anyone on the phone might say, seniors on Medicare don’t have to do anything to receive their $250 rebate check for hitting the “doughnut hole,” the gap in Medicare prescription drug coverage.

The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging (IAAAA) warns Indiana seniors not to fall victim to scams taking place in Michigan and other states.

“Scammers are calling or visiting seniors to say they need personal information, such as a Social Security or Medicare number, and/or a signature to process the rebate checks. They don’t,” says Tamra Simpson, program director for SMP (also known as Senior Medicare Patrol). “Seniors should never, ever, give their Social Security or their Medicare number to anyone over the phone, and no forms are needed for these rebates.”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) automatically mails checks as soon as seniors become eligible. No action on the consumer’s part is required.

President Obama announced the rebates, the first step in eliminating the coverage gap under the Affordable Health Care Act, in late May; checks began going out in June and will be mailed every 30 days as seniors reach the gap. To be eligible, a senior must already have Medicare prescription drug coverage and must not be on the Medicare Extra Help program.

For more information about how the Affordable Health Care Act will affect seniors, they should visit www.healthcare.gov.

The rebate checks will come in an envelope bearing the HHS logo. The return address may be of a contractor hired to conduct the mailings. HHS estimates 4 million Americans will receive the tax-free rebates.

Other scams to watch out for:

Lie: Callers telling seniors they need new Medicare cards because of the new Affordable Health Care Act.

Fact: Seniors need do nothing to receive any benefits of the Affordable Health Care Act.

Lie: Insurance agents claiming that the new health care law requires seniors to change their health care benefits plans, including Part D plans.

Fact: The Affordable Care Act gives seniors more control over their health care choices. No senior is required to make any changes to their Medicare plans. For legitimate information about how the new health care law affects seniors, they should visit www.healthcare.gov.

Lie: An insurance salesman mailed a “release form” to his policyholders that authorized him to make medical decisions for them.

Fact: Never sign a form until you’re sure you completely understand its contents; take nothing for granted. Contact a trusted source or your local SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) office; in Indiana, call 1-800-452-4800 (TDD 1-866-846-0139).

Lie: Callers claiming to represent Medicare and asking for seniors’ Medicare numbers.

Fact: Medicare will never call and ask for anyone’s Medicare number. If you receive such a call, take the person’s name, write down the number he or she is calling from (use your caller ID, if possible), and report the call to your local AAA at 800-986-3505.

The IAAAA urges beneficiaries not to release any Medicare or personal information and to be aware of this and similar scams. If you have received a call similar to this or suspect Medicare fraud of any kind, please contact your local AAA at 800-986-3505.  

The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging, founded in 1978, advocates for quality programs and services for older adults and all persons with disabilities. The IAAAA works with all the state’s 16 Area Agencies on Aging. The Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) were created by state statute in 1973 to deliver services under the Older Americans Act. AAAs are not-for-profit entities providing services to older adults and people with disabilities of any age and their caregivers.

FRAUD ALERT-Obituary Scheme

Indiana State Police are investigating a scheme that targets senior citizens.  The suspects are using the obituaries to target recently widowed seniors.  They are then calling these individuals and telling them they need credit card information to prevent undetected fraud.  Once the perpetrator successfully obtains the credit card information they use it to buy expensive lawn mowers.  Please be assertive and ask questions.  Remember not to give out any personal information over the telephone. 

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office investigates suspicious activity in Osgood resulting in the arrest of one, and the investigation of another for drug dealing and battery.

On Tuesday, July 20^th at approximately 2:50 AM, Ripley County Sheriff’s Deputy Abraham Hildebrand, while patrolling the Osgood area, observed four males acting suspicious near the intersection of Walnut and Railroad Avenue leading to the arrest of 23-year-old Caleb A. Smith of Lake Orion Michigan for Possession of Marijuana.  Further investigation revealed a second male, 22-year-old Elgin A. Fidell had been involved in an altercation with Smith, prior to Deputy Hildebrand’s arrival involving a drug transaction.  Caleb A. Smith was transported to the Ripley County Jail where he was incarcerated for Possession of Marijuana pending $550.00 bond.  Charging Information’s, pursuant to an investigation, have been forwarded to the Ripley County Prosecutor’s Office for Elgin A. Fidell with one count of Dealing Marijuana, and one count of Battery.  Two other males involved in the incident were found not to be participating in criminal activity and were released.  Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

News Release Single Vehicle Crash on 07/14/2010

Indianapolis, IN (July 1, 2010) – The Indiana Department of Correction, in partnership with the Indiana Sheriffs' Association, currently provides an automated system to alert residents living near a state correctional facility of public safety emergencies. As of July 1, 2010 this service will be combined with the Department’s victim notification service, Indiana SAVIN.

The ALERT Notification Service keeps residents informed of prison escapes as well as any potential environmental hazards. In the event of an escape, all registrants will receive detailed information about the escapee, including a physical description and the time of the escape. The automated calls will also relay specific information on other emergencies that could impact nearby homes.

Residents who sign up for the program will be notified via telephone or email. To be notified of an alert, residents must first register for the service. All individuals who were previously registered with the ALERT notification system will still be registered after July 1 and will continue to receive notifications.

To register visit Indianasavin.in.gov or call toll-free 866-891-0330

Hoosiers across Indiana are being tricked into revealing their Social Security numbers, Medicare numbers and other personal data in recent scams. In this medical scam, con artists are calling beneficiaries from out-of-state phone numbers claiming to be from Medicare or what sounds like "Med-care." Complaints of similar calls have been reported from every area code in Indiana.

The callers initially seem legitimate because they already know the beneficiary's name, doctor and medical condition. Reports say each caller has a foreign accent and offers diabetic testing supplies, heating pads, back braces and free blood pressure testing supplies.

The caller asks if the beneficiary has "the red, white and blue card," then for the Medicare number on the card and the maiden name of the patient's parent. In some instances, the caller also solicits the patient's date of birth.

If you believe you’ve been scammed, you can file a complaint with the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection division online at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.

Victims are also encouraged to follow these steps to prevent any additional fraudulent use of their information:

• Claims to have products or technologies that are effective in remediating oil spills or restoring the eco-system.
• Mention of contracts or expected contracts with BP (formerly British Petroleum) that will aid the cleanup effort.
• Claims that the company is providing technical assistance or expertise to BP or to U.S. government agencies such as the Coast Guard or the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Predictions of rapid, exponential sales growth.
• Pressure to invest immediately.

If you are a victim of an investment scam, you can file a complaint with the Indiana Secretary of State's Office.

ANNUAL SEX OFFENDER ROUND-UP  On May 18, 2010, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office conducted their annual sex offender roundup.  There are a total of 74 offenders the Sheriff’s Office are responsible for.  The roundup was a success with 54 registered sex offenders being accounted for, two on parole came in the following day, which are facing potential violations, and the rest are incarcerated, except one.  Charges are pending against this individual.    As of May 26, there were 10 offenders incarcerated in other facilities, and 8 were being held at the Ripley County Jail. Two offenders are being held on a different charge other than a registry violation, and 6 have new violation of registry charges, all filed by the Sheriff but one.

“ This is very important to our community.  These individuals must be monitored as close as possible and held accountable if they violate the law,” the Sheriff noted.  Sheriff Tom Grills also noted he has worked with the Indiana Sheriff’s Association to help secure a new program called Offender Watch.  Offender Watch will be a statewide database used for entering sex offender information, which can be shared by all 92 counties in the state.  Several other states have went online with Offender Watch, and Indiana is next.  Indiana Sheriffs are securing the funding for this software through a federal grant from the Indiana Dept. of Correction.   Citizens will also have access to the site to be given email notifications about offenders and their movements.

If you suspect an offender of breaking the registry requirements, or want more information on the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, Offender Watch, or Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, please visit, www.ripleycounty.com/sheriff.

Unclaimed Property Program is free

The Indiana Attorney General’s Unclaimed Property Program reunites Hoosiers with millions of dollars worth of unclaimed property each year. Unfortunately there are scammers posing as finders and state government agencies attempting to cash in on your hidden treasure. If you receive unsolicited correspondence requesting personal information or money, it may be a “phishing” expedition. Responding could make you vulnerable to identity theft.  The Attorney General’s program is free and easy to use -you can search for and claim your money online at www.IndianaUnclaimed.com.  To check the legitimacy of correspondence regarding unclaimed property, you may contact the Attorney General’s Unclaimed Property Division or you may report scams to the Consumer Protection Division at www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.

2010 Census Cautions

Be cautious about giving info to Census Workers.  With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of  fraud or identity theft.  Please read this important information

4/27/10  Gardner and Green Arrests

4/26/2010 Accident

March 6, 2010

On Friday night, March 5, 2010, the Ripley County Sheriff's Office, working in cooperation with the Batesville Police Department and the Ripley County Prosecutor's Office, executed a Search Warrant issued by the Ripley Superior Court, at a Batesville residence, resulting in several arrest and the seizure of a large quantity of Cocaine packaged for sale.  More information

February 17, 2010

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office has been updating records for changes in law to confirm that all sex or violent sex offenders registered with the Sheriff’s Office are in compliance with Indiana law.  According to state statute, some sex or violent offenders cannot reside within 1000 feet of any school, public park, or licensed daycare. If an offender is found to be in violation of this law, the offender will be required to move, or potentially have charges filed against him/her.

The Sheriff’s Office currently supervises 76 sex offenders and violent sex offenders.  Sixty of these offenders are active, and sixteen offenders are incarcerated in county jails or state prison. 

Several offenders have been given notice they must move from their current residence to become compliant. 

In order to verify that all offenders are in compliance with state statute, the Sheriff is requesting that any licensed daycare or preschool, whether it is public or private, contact the office during business hours with their address, telephone number and contact person.  When calling, you can ask for Deputy Matron Toni Gray, or the Sheriff.

Ripley County Illegal Grow Operation Discovered

On Wednesday, February 3, 2010 Ripley County Deputy Jason Dickerson received a tip there were marijuana plants being grown at the home of 45 year-old Ernest H. Pyle of Milan.

Deputy Dickerson obtained a search warrant at that time, and the warrant was executed by the Sheriff’s Office, with Milan PD and the Indiana State Police assisting.  After the execution of the warrant, Pyle was incarcerated at the Ripley County Jail on charges of Possession of Marijuana, Cultivating Marijuana, and Possession of paraphernalia.  More charges are pending.

Pyle is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Sheriff Grills stated all law enforcement is committed to working together for the common good of our citizens.  Public awareness and multi-police agency cooperation is the best way to fight the drug trade and usage in this area.

If you know or suspect any illegal drug activity, you are urged to contact your local law enforcement agency with information.

Habitual Substance Offender Arrested

35-year-old William T. Borne Jr., Milan, was arrested Wednesday evening February 3, 2010 on a Felony warrant from Ripley County.

In addition to the Habitual charge, Borne also has charges for maintaining a common nuisance, possession of marijuana, and reckless possession of paraphernalia.

The arrest warrant stemmed from a search warrant obtained by Milan officers and served at the Borne residence the week before.

Ripley County Deputies and the Milan Police Department executed the arrest.

Borne is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On Saturday night, January 9, 2010, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a sexual assault involving a 19 year old female, near the Holton area, while traveling along Hopewell road.  The female reported that she had stopped to assist a stranded motorist, when assaulted by a white male who was operating a small, older black pickup truck. The assailant was described as a white male approximately 30 years of age, 6’-2”, medium build, wearing a green winter (toboggan) style cap, brown coat and blue jeans.  The assault is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office.  Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office at (812) 689-5555 or 689-5558.

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a burglary that had happened on SR 129 just south of Batesville, Tuesday, September 22,2009 around 2:30pm

It is believed through evidence and the investigation the suspect was startled as the homeowner arrived back at the residence while the suspect was inside.  The suspect exited the home unbeknown to the owner of the residence, and spoke to the owner about completing some landscaping before leaving the residence.  The owner then realized the incident had taken place.

The vehicle is described as an Arizona Beige Ford F 150 extended cab pickup with a partial Ohio registration of DK 3697.  It is believed to be a late 90’s or early two thousand year model.  The suspect is described at early 20’s, sandy blonde hair, facial hair, about 5’10, thin build.

Citizens are urged to look out for their neighbors, lock everything, and pay attention to suspicious activity.  Document all your valuables and keep that record in a secure place.  Nobody is immune from becoming a victim.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 7, 2009

Attorney General Zoeller, Marion County Prosecutor Brizzi warn of ID Theft

New concerted effort geared to helping Hoosiers avoid becoming victims

INDIANAPOLIS - With identity theft among the fastest growing crimes in the state, Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller announced a concerted effort to combat identity theft. Joined by Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi, Zoeller alerted Hoosiers to several improved ways for consumers to protect their good name and credit rating.

“With the downturn in the economy, criminals have become relentless in their efforts to steal the identities of consumers and fraudulently open lines of credit,” Zoeller said. “Identity theft is devastating to victims and can take months or years to untangle. Today we launch a new effort to attack identity theft.”

“In the past, our response to identity theft has been limited because the law had not caught up to this new form of digital victimization.  With these new tools at our disposal, our offices will better be able to protect the citizens of Marion County and the State of Indiana from the serious threat of identity theft,” Brizzi said.

Zoeller and Brizzi today discussed a new effort to assist identity-theft victims while educating other consumers on how to avoid becoming victims in the first place.

“One of the most important protections is the security freeze, where consumers can go to our web site, sign up and prevent anyone from fraudulently obtaining credit in their name. The security freeze is tied to all three major credit-reporting bureaus. And, if the consumer wants to apply for a new line of credit, they can go back to the web site, lift the freeze temporarily, and then seal the lid of protection again,” Zoeller said.

To train attorneys on the legal ramifications of dealing with identity theft, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office is holding a series of CLE (Continuing Legal Education) classes on ID theft. Registration for the first CLE session, July 15, already is full, but others will be offered soon and will be open to lawyers and non-lawyers alike. Professionals who work with the public - such as law enforcement officers, retail merchants, social services workers, assisted-living facilities managers and clergy - may find the course of benefit.

“This CLE training offered by the Attorney General’s office will cast a wide net in training professionals who will be the first line of defense in preventing identity theft,” Zoeller said. “Our office has found that the Hispanic community often is hit especially hard by identity thieves.”

The effort comes as Indiana’s new identity-theft protection law, House Enrolled Act 1121, took effect last week. The new law boosts protections for consumers and creates new rights for victims, while giving local and state authorities more powerful tools to crack down on identity thieves.

Among other things, the new law does the following:

• Makes it a crime for a parent or guardian to use a child’s personal information to commit identity theft and fraudulently obtain credit. The new crime is a Class C felony, punishable by two to eight years in prison.

• Creates the new crime of synthetic identity theft, to specify that combining parts of the identities of several people into a hybrid, fictional person in order to commit fraud also is illegal. It’s a Class D felony, punishable by six months to three years imprisonment.

• Creates recovery tools for victims. Identity theft victims often have difficulty establishing new credit or utility service because of damage to their credit histories. HEA 1121 gives Hoosiers the ability to go to court and obtain a declaratory judgment, a legal document that says the person was an innocent victim of identity theft, in order to correct their records.

• Increases the penalties for database owners who recklessly discard consumers’ personal information, such as Social Security numbers, in a manner that could subject consumers to identity theft. If a business discards such records without shredding, blacking out or incinerating them first, then the Attorney General’s office could file suit and seek penalties of $5,000 per incident for the violation. Database owners also are now required to notify the attorney general’s office – as well as consumers – if a security breach occurs.

Recently, the Attorney General’s ID Theft Unit responded to two cases – one in New Castle, Ind., in April, and the other in Mishawaka, Ind., in June - where customers’ sensitive personal information, such as medical records and loan applications, were discarded in trash bins. Concerned members of the public spotted the dumped records, realized the risk and alerted the Attorney General’s office.

• Formally establishes the ID Theft Unit. Created administratively by former Attorney General Steve Carter in January 2008, the ID Theft Unit is a team of attorneys and investigators who use computer forensic techniques to probe complaints and assist victims. HEA 1121 by statute makes the unit a permanent part of the Attorney General’s office as of July 1, 2009.

Since it was created 18 months ago, the ID Theft Unit has investigated more than 600 cases or referrals and recovered more than $608,000 in refunds for consumers, and its investigations have resulted in 13 arrests. Under the new law, the ID Theft Unit will also have an expanded role, through public presentations, in educating consumers on how to avoid being victimized and mitigate the damage if identity is stolen.

The Attorney General’s web site, www.indianaconsumer.com/idtheft, has free resource tools available to educate consumers about their rights and protect their identity and credit. Versions in Spanish are posted.

Zoeller today thanked members of the Indiana General Assembly who helped pass House Enrolled Act 1121 in April during the regular session, including House author State Rep. Linda Lawson, D-Hammond, and Senate sponsor State Sen. Brent Steele, R-Bedford. Zoeller thanked in particular State Rep. David Frizzell, R-Indianapolis, long a supporter of identity-theft-protection legislation.

“The hard work of legislators has crafted a powerful new tool we can use to combat identity thieves,” Zoeller said. “We also appreciate the front-line efforts of county prosecuting attorneys such as Mr. Brizzi in filing criminal charges against such lawbreakers and bringing them to justice.”

“These new measures will help law enforcement keep up with tactics being used by identity thieves,” Rep. Frizzell said. “As more and more of our personal information is recorded and stored, it will be increasingly important to give law enforcement the tools they need to fight identity theft, including the ability to hold perpetrators accountable.”

For more information about preventing identity theft and the details of the new law, consumers can visit www.indianaconsumer.com/idtheft. The link to the credit-security freeze online application is http://www.indianaconsumer.com/idtheft/SecurityFreeze.asp.  Video of today’s news conference will be posted on the Attorney General’s web site. Dates for upcoming CLE training courses on identity-theft prevention offered by the Attorney General’s office will be announced soon.