On Monday, May 6th, at about 9:43 P.M. Ripley County Communications received a 911 call from an unidentified male caller at 1507 W CR 375 E, Versailles, requesting an ambulance for a male lying on the floor not breathing.
After rescue arrived on scene, they requested officers to respond.
The unconscious male was identified as Brian Wiggers, 50, Versailles. Also at the residence were Brian's girlfriend, Regina Biddle, 46, Versailles, and their ten-year-old child.
Evidence at the scene indicated illegal drug use. Officers located illegal drugs and other drug paraphernalia inside the residence.
Wiggers was transported to King’s Daughters Hospital by their squad where he was listed in critical condition.
Biddle was arrested for possession of controlled substance, possession of marijuana, and possession of paraphernalia, along with dealing a controlled substance. She was subsequently transported and incarcerated at the Ripley County Jail, pending formal charging.
The juvenile was placed with Dept of Child Services.
Holton PD, Versailles PD, Rescue 69, Medic, and Versailles first responders assisted the Sheriff’s Office at the scene.
If you have any information on this case, you are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 812.689.5558.  If you have any information on any illegal activity, you can call the Sheriff’s Office, or your local police agency. You can remain anonymous.
All arrested persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Sunday afternoon, May 5th, 2013 at approximately 5:13 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving injury located at Michigan Road in Dabney.

Arriving on scene, it was determined that 18-year-old William A. Miller, of Sunman, had been traveling south on Michigan Road when the red 1998 Ford Ranger he was operating left the wet roadway on the left side for uncertain reasons, and collided with a tree, injuring Miller along with two passengers.

William A. Miller was transported from the scene by Milan Rescue 30 to Margaret Mary Health Care for treatment of internal injury and lacerations.

17-year-old passenger Emily L. Farmer, of Osgood, was transported from the scene by Rescue 69 to Margaret Mary Health Care for treatment of internal injury.

17-year-old passenger Jared R. Mains, of Osgood, was transported from the scene by Ripley County EMS to Margaret Mary Health Care for treatment of internal injuries.

The accident is currently under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, who was assisted at the scene by Rescue 69, Rescue 30, Ripley County Medic, and Versailles Fire Department.
05-01-2013, at about 5:33 am, the Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the area of CR 300 N, and CR 625 E for a report of a personal injury crash.

The driver of a silver 2006 Chevrolet passenger car was 29 y/o Brittany Kalkbrenner, Versailles, who swerved to miss an unknown animal in the roadway in the 6000 block of E CR 300 N, also known as Milan - Versailles Pike.

Kalkbrenner ran off the road, lost control, and hit a small tree. Kalkbrenner was not wearing a seatbelt and incurred lacerations to the head and arms. UC's Aircare transported her by air for her injuries.

Kalkbrenner's 9 y/o son, who was a front seat passenger, was wearing his seat belt and only received minor injuries. Her son was not transported.

Also assisting Deputy AJ Smith at the scene were other deputies from the sheriff's office, Milan Fire, and Ripley County Medics. The crash is still under investigation.
At about 10:30 PM, on Thursday April 25, 2013, deputies with the Ripley County Sheriff's Office were assisted by officers with Osgood Police Department, and the Indiana State Police, with an investigation into the theft of Anhydrous Ammonia from the Laughrey Valley Ag Co-Op. Officers responded to the area of the Co-Op on North US 421, just north of Osgood, in reference to a complaint of a vehicle parked in the driveway of the business, and a subject around the vehicle that seemed suspicious.

Deputy Steve Sullivan located the vehicle in the area of the Co-Op, and began to follow the vehicle. Deputy Sullivan, through his observations of the vehicle, developed enough information to conduct a traffic stop. As Deputy Sullivan attempted to stop the vehicle, it fled. After a short pursuit, the vehicle stopped and the driver was apprehended.

Located in the vehicle was a modified tank that was later found to contain Anhydrous Ammonia, which is a much-needed ingredient in the Manufacturing of Methamphetamine.

The driver of the vehicle, 34-year-old Aubrey E. Roberts, of New Richmond, Ohio, was taken into custody and incarcerated at the Ripley County Jail. Formal charges have not yet been filed by the Ripley County Prosecutor’s Office at this time.

Sheriff Grills noted, “This is an excellent case of our community paying attention to their neighborhoods, and calling when they see something out of place. Great job to the caller, and to my staff, as well as the supporting officers, for their effort to stop this theft. A large amount of meth will not be hitting the street because of this arrest!”

This case remains under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff's Office.  All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you have any information in this incident, or any other criminal activity, you can contact your local police agency, or the Sheriff’s Office at 812.689.5558, sheriff@ripleycounty.com, or 812.689.5555. You can remain anonymous.
The Indiana Department of Correction, in partnership with the Indiana State Police and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, has released a third edition of the “Indiana Cold Case Homicides Playing Cards”. The deck of playing cards profiles 52 unsolved homicides and missing persons cases from around the state. The card decks are being distributed throughout Indiana prisons and to law enforcement authorities, and will be the only decks of cards available for purchase in the state’s 25 prison facilities.

Each playing card features information on an unsolved murder or missing persons case and a photo of the victim. The aim of the project is to create an awareness of these unsolved cases in the prison population and encourage offenders to provide information that might help solve the cases. Officials hope the cards may jar inmate memories or provide a clue that, when combined with other information, might provide the break investigators need to solve a case.

A further goal is to remind the families of victims who have suffered through years of uncertainty and despair over the inability of the system to bring the responsible criminal to justice that their loved ones are not forgotten, and that law enforcement remains committed to resolving these cold cases.

The Ripley County Jail is participating in this program and offering these cards to inmates here in Ripley County.

Sheriff Grills noted, " We have a considerable amount of inmate movement from all over the state, and helping out where we can is of most importance. Victims and their families need help from everyone, and we are happy to do our part. It only takes a small lead to break a major case."

Members of the public who would like to provide information on the victim of a cold case homicide or missing persons case, or who would like to have a case reviewed for inclusion in a future release of the deck, may contact the Indiana Department of Correction at coldcasetips@idoc.in.gov.

If you have information about any case in the deck or a case that does not appear in this deck, please dial the Indiana State Police Hotline 1 (800) 453-4756.  Copies of the playing cards may be viewed at http://www.in.gov/idoc/2826.htm

The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is investigating several daytime burglaries in Adams and Franklin Township areas.
It is unclear at this time if these burglaries are connected, however some of the same items are being taken from the homes, i.e. jewelry, flat screen TV’s, other electronics, and prescription pain medication.
The Sheriff’s Office is working with other police agencies to develop similarities in the burglaries, and to match evidence, in an attempt to connect the incidents, and develop possible leads.
There are no suspect(s) at this time.
Burglary locations include the 3000 and 5000 block of east CR 1100 north, 10000 block of north CR 500 east, 4000 block of east CR 800 N, and 5000 block of east CR 700 N.
Sheriff Grills urges the public to assist the Sheriff’s Office in being diligent, paying close attention to activity in your neighborhoods, hiding valuables in your homes, securing your residences the best you can, and help aid the Sheriff’s Office in capturing the responsible individual(s). If you have been a victim of a crime, do not enter the home, or leave the residence immediately, so that potential valuable evidence is not destroyed.
If you have any information in these burglaries, or any other criminal activity, please contact your local police agency, or the Sheriff, at 812.689.5558, 812.689.5555 after hours, or by email at sheriff@ripleycounty.com.  You can remain anonymous.
On Wednesday, April 10, 2013, deputies with the Sheriff’s Office conducted an investigation into the distribution of prescription pain pills, as well as other illicit drugs and paraphernalia. The arrests were made in a parking lot in Versailles, in the afternoon of April 10, and 2 subjects were incarcerated at the time.
20-year-old Megan J. Berry, of Holton, was arrested for Dealing in a Schedule I, II, or III Controlled Substance, a Class B Felony, and Possession of a Hypodermic Needle, a Class D Felony.
33-year-old Brian A. Davis, of Versailles, was arrested for Dealing in a Schedule I, II, or III Controlled Substance, and Conspiracy to Commit Dealing in a Schedule I, II, or III Controlled Substance, both Class B Felonies.
The Sheriff’s Office was assisted in this investigation by the Versailles Police Department. This case is still under investigation.
If you have any information on illegal drug activity, please contact your local police department, Indiana State Police, or the Sheriff's Office at 812.689.5558. You can remain anonymous. Together, we will make a difference.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
A multi-agency investigation has led to the arrest of two suspects involved in several armed robberies.
Jesse James Sparks, age 20 of Laurel, and Carl “C.J.” Moore, 21 of Newpoint, have both been arrested following a crime spree that began in Ripley County.
On January 31st at around 3:10 a.m. the Batesville Police responded to an armed robbery at Huck’s gas station. Later that same day, at approximately 7:15 p.m., the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to another armed robbery at Youngman’s Marathon in Napoleon. The suspect was armed with a handgun in both cases and got away with an undisclosed amount of money.
On February 7th a similar armed robbery occurred at the Village Pantry in Rushville.
Then, on Friday, April 5th the Decatur County Sheriff’s Office arrested Carl “C.J.” Moore, 21 of Newpoint, after he attempted to rob the Newpoint Food Mart. He was also charged with robbing the same food mart on March 12th.
After spending several weeks following up on multiple leads and serving numerous search warrants, investigators presented their investigation to Ripley County Prosecutor Ric Hertel. The prosecutor charged Jesse Sparks with 2 counts of Armed Robbery, class B felonies, and 2 counts of Theft, class D felonies. Carl Moore was charged with 2 counts of Conspiracy to commit Armed Robbery, class B felonies.
Carl Moore remains in the Decatur County Jail while Jesse Sparks is incarcerated in Ripley County.
Sparks has also been charged with Armed Robbery and Theft in Rush County.
“These cases were brought to a successful conclusion through the hard work and dedication of investigators from multiple agencies, which included Batesville, Greensburg & Rushville Police Departments, Ripley, Decatur, Franklin & Rush County Sheriff’s Offices, along with Cincinnati PD and the Indiana Sate Police.”
Investigators are continuing with their investigation and additional charges may be filed. A photograph may be available at the facility in in which the suspects are incarcerated.
All suspects should be considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

On Monday, April 8, 2013 at approximately 5:19 PM, the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a single vehicle pedestrian accident with injuries involving a child located on Napoleon Main Street (SR 229) in Napoleon, near the intersection of Harrison Street.

Arriving on scene, it was determined that 85 year old Mabel C. Flick, of Holton, had been traveling west on SR 229, operating a silver 2012 Buick Lacrosse passenger car, when 6 year old Adrianna N. Estes, of Napoleon, appeared in the roadway from the north side of the road, being struck on the drivers side of the vehicle.

 

Adrianna, who received a laceration to the forehead and abrasions to her knees, was airlifted from the scene by Stat Flight to the University of Cincinnati Hospital for treatment of her injuries.

Speed does not appear to be a factor in the accident, and airlift was a determination of precautionary measures due to the mechanism of injury and the age of the patient.

The accident is currently under investigation by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Deputy Lt. Randy Holt, who was assisted at the scene by Napoleon Fire, Ripley County Medic, and Rescue 69.
On Monday, February 25th, 2013 at approximately 8:43 PM, Ripley County Deputy Arron A. Smith Jr. initiated a traffic stop on Meridian Street in Sunman for a minor traffic violation, resulting in the arrest of a wanted person and seizure of controlled substances.
22-year-old Shelby D. Lingle Batta, the operator of a white 2000 Subaru, was arrested for an outstanding warrant for Failure to Appear for trial on Possession of Marijuana from Bartholomew County.
At the request of Deputy Smith, Milan Deputy Marshal, Terry Wilson responded to the scene of the traffic stop with his K9 partner Kory, which alerted on the Batta vehicle resulting in the seizure of controlled substances.
Batta was transported to the Ripley County Jail where she was incarcerated on the outstanding arrest warrant, with charges of possession of a controlled substance being forwarded to the Ripley County Prosecutor’s Office for review.  All arrested persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office reports that Nathon Bailey, 19, Versailles , has been arrested and charged with Burglary, Class C Felony . On February 5, 2012, a report came into Communications Center the Family Dollar in Versailles had been broken into and property removed. After a lengthy investigation, Lt Randy Holt and Det./Sgt. Abe Hildebrand gathered enough information to arrest Bailey. Bailey has been charged with the crime, and is being held at the Ripley County Jail awaiting his trial. He is eligible to bond for $1550.00. Any one with additional information on this crime, or any other crime, is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 812.689.5558. You can remain anonymous.
The Ripley County Sheriff's Office, assisting the Ripley County Probation Office, has arrested Dennis Pippin on a violation of a court order. Ripley County Probation received a complaint of Pippin violating a no contact order against his spouse through Superior Court on Tuesday, January 29. After confirming the court order was in effect, Pippin was incarcerated for violating the order by a sheriff's deputy around 9pm. Pippin is being held in the Ripley County Jail pending his initial hearing, if charged. Pippin was a former employee of the Ripley County Jail back in 2011.
Sheriff Grills noted, "It is sad that a person like Dennis has made the decision he has to put himself in this position. My office is committed to enforcing the law in manner that is in the best interest to all involved in the issue. These types of issues happen everywhere, in every work environment. Sometimes we do not understand why people do what they do, however it is how those in leadership capacities deal with the issue that is important. 'Sweeping things under the rug' or ignoring them are not appropriate, and compromise the integrity of any occupation or business."  Arrested persons are innocent until proven guilty.

As a direct result of an extended drug investigation conducted by the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officers from the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, Milan Police and Indiana State Excise Police, executed a Search Warrant and Arrest Warrant issued by the Ripley County Circuit and Franklin County Courts on a Pierceville residence resulting in the arrest of three Ripley County residents and seizure of Heroin and Drug Paraphernalia on Saturday night, January 19th.
Arrested without incident were, 24 year old Daniel T. Withered, Pierceville, on an arrest warrant for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug and Dealing in a Substance represented to be a Narcotic Drug, Class B Felonies along with additional charges resulting from the search of his residence consisting of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class D Felony, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, Class D Felony and Possession of Marijuana, Class A Misdemeanor.
23-year-old Russell J. Steinhauer of Versailles for Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor.
23-year-old Christopher M. Thompson of Milan for Visiting a Common Nuisance, Class B Misdemeanor.
Withered was transported to the Ripley County Jail where he was incarcerated, without bond, pending initial court hearing.
Both Steinhauer and Thompson were transported to the Ripley County Jail where they were incarcerated pending bond.
The Ripley County Sheriff’s Office is committed, along with all law enforcement, to diligently fight to combat drugs in our community, following every lead given.
Sheriff Grills noted, "Drugs have been a problem since I started in law enforcement in 1997 and they were here before then. Since I was elected in 2006, I, along with my staff, have been committed to taking drugs off the street. We, the Sheriff's Office, have always been working to combat the problem. My deputies, along with the citizens, should be given credit for our growing success in removing the problem. We, together, are making a difference."
Citizens are urged to report drug activity to their local law enforcement. Tips can remain anonymous.

Just after 8 PM, on Tuesday January 15, 2013 Deputies with the Ripley County Sheriff's Office executed a Search Warrant on an apartment located in Napoleon stemming from information gathered by Deputy A.J..Smith.
During the execution of this warrant, Deputies located illegal drugs and paraphernalia, as well as multiple items commonly used to manufacture methamphetamine. Deputies were then assisted at the scene by the Indiana State Police Methamphetamine Suppression Section.
Arrested during the execution of the search warrant was Timothy M. Winters, 34 of Napoleon, and Carrie L. Winters, 35 of Napoleon.
This case is currently still under investigation, and is being forwarded to the Ripley County Prosecutor for formal charging.  All subjects arrested are innocent until proven guilty.

On Monday, January 7, 2013, at approximately 11:39 A.M., Ripley County Communications received a call for assistance from Jackson County, IN stating a Jackson/Jennings County Community Corrections Field Officer was conducting a “home check” on a home incarceration inmate. Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Dickerson responded to 5630 West Hopewell Road, Holton, IN, to assist Field Officer Crystal Combs.
Buddy E. Hacker, 32, and Jessica C. Hamilton, 35, were arrested and formally charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, Class D felony, Possession of Marijuana, Class A misdemeanor and Possession of Paraphernalia, Class A misdemeanor. Hamilton was also charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, Class D felony. Both were initially taken to the Ripley County Jail. Hacker posted a $1,050 bond and was released. Hamilton is currently being held on a $2050 bond.
Sheriff Grills commented that his office was more than happy to help out the Corrections Officer. Grills went on to state, “law enforcement, working together, made timely arrest of these offenders."
It is unknown if Hamilton will be facing charges in Jackson County for violating the rules of Home Incarceration.
This incident is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.  All arrested subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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