September, 3rd, 2010

On August 23, the Indiana State Police along with the Indiana National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, DEA, US Forest Service, Civil Air Patrol, Indiana DNR and local law enforcement agencies converged on Southern Indiana to concentrate efforts on illegal marijuana grow operations.  This effort was in response to ongoing intelligence of illegal drug trafficking operations illegally growing marijuana on public property like the Hoosier National Forrest and other remote state and federally owned property. This cooperative effort was named “Operation Hoosier Thunder” and its mission was as follows, “For the Indiana State Police, Indiana National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, DEA, US Forest Service, Civil Air Patrol, Indiana DNR and local law enforcement agencies to conduct marijuana detection and eradication operations in the vicinity of the Hoosier National Forest in order to confirm or deny the presence of cultivated marijuana and reduce marijuana supply in the greater southern Indiana area.” Because of the rugged and dense terrain the operation utilized OH-58, and UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the Indiana National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, along with other aircraft from the Indiana State Police and the Civil Air Patrol.  Several ground teams also navigated the area and eradicated the marijuana. Even though efforts were concentrated in the southern part of the state, marijuana eradication efforts have been ongoing statewide.  Statewide during the operation there were approximately 19,000 plants eradicated with an estimated street value of $47,500,000.  316 illegal marijuana plots were discovered and 20 suspects have charges pending for illegal grows.  The largest grow discovered in the operation was located in Jackson County, in the Hoosier National Forrest on Tuesday August 31 where 7,513 plants were located. No arrests have been made from this grow operation but investigators are still following up on leads.  An officer involved with the discovery and eradication of these plants said, “Eradicating the marijuana and stopping the destruction of our public lands is why we have joined forces.” This operation was funded through the Domestic Cannabis Eradication and Suppression Program (DCE/SP) Grant.  This is a grant that comes from the U.S. Department of Justice and the DEA and is utilized to combat illegal marijuana grow operations. Even though “Operation Hoosier Thunder” has ended the Indiana State Police Marijuana Eradication Section still needs your help to combat the marijuana problem in Indiana.  The success of the marijuana eradication program is due to good teamwork among law enforcement and government agencies and the public giving us good information.  Anyone with drug information can call the Indiana Marijuana Tip line at 888-873-1694.  Remember if you wish to stay anonymous you can.

September 2nd, 2010

Three people were arrested as the result of a drug investigation conducted by Indiana State Police, OCSD and Paoli Police. A search warrant was executed around 9PM Tuesday night at the Lomax-Hobson residence located at 2468 South Unionville Road Paoli. During their search, police located items used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine, along with meth, marijuana and drug paraphernalia. 38 year old Bryan Lomax, 40 year old Robin Hobson and 45 year old Troy Moore of Cherry Street Paoli were arrested. Lomax and Hobson were charged with possession of precursors, possession and dealing methamphetamine, maintaining a common nuisance, possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Moore was charged with possession of meth. possession of marijuana and visiting a common nuisnace. All three were booked into the OC Jail.

An Orange County man was arrested Wednesday and charged with driving while license suspended and other charges are pending, after police say he attempted to get cash for a truck allegedly stolen from Washington County. On MOnday, 34 year old Larry McKinney, reportedly tried to sell an older model PU to Bedford Recyclings collection site. The Recycling Center refused to pay McKinney because he didn't have a drivers license or a title for the truck. McKinney left the truck in Mitchell. When he did not return on Tuesday, the Recycling employees called police. A check of the VIN numbers indicated the truck had been stolen in Washington County. On Wednesday, McKinney returned to the Recycling Center to collect money for the truck. The employees called police and McKinney was preliminarily charged with driving with a suspended license. Additional charges are pending in Lawrence and Washington Counties.

An Orange County man was arrested Tuesday following an investigation into burglaries in French Lick. According to Indiana State Police, they were investigating burglaries that were reported on August 30th at 9669 W ST RD 56 and at the Wayne ferguson Agency office also located on W ST RD 56 in French Lick. On Tuesday, investigators located some of the items taken in the burglaries including a GPS. Wii Game system and a chain saw. 20 year old David Walker of 9673 Hamilton Oaks, Apt 12 French Lick was charged with Class D Felony possession of stolen property. Walker was booked into the OC Jail and bonded out on one thousand dollars cash. The investigation is continuing, anyone with information on the burglaries should contact State Police at the Jasper Post at 800-742-7475.



September 1st, 2010

August 31st, 2010

There were 135 total properties listed for sale because of delinquent property taxes or special assessments here in Orange County.  Deliquent owners have until the deliquent tax sale on October 5th at 10am to pay back taxes, fines an penalties.  For more information contact the Orange County Auditors Office in Paoli. 

Vandalism occurred on Friday at the Mustering elm Park in Trinity Springs in Martin County. Martin County Sheriff Deputy Keith Keller was called to the park to investigate the stripping and stealing of electric wires at a shelter house. All of the wires were cut at the breaker box and electrical outlets were broken as well. An estimated 150 feet of wiring was taken in the incident. A $200 reward is being offered by the Mustering Elm Park Fund for information regarding the theft. Anyone with any information can call the Martin County Sheriff's Department at 812-247-3726.

The Jennings County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the disappearance of a North Vernon man. 60-year-old Thomas Morrison is white, 5-foot-eleven, 145 lbs, with blue eyes and gray hair. Police say he was last seen in North Vernon Saturday at about 4:00PM and is believed to be in danger. Contact the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department with any information.

August 30th, 2010

A former BNL teacher was sentenced to house arrest this morning after admitting to having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Nathan Woodward admitted to fondling a 17 year old back in 2008. Woodward was sentenced to 18 months house arrest and will also have to wear an ankle bracelet for part of that time.

Bedford city police are investigatoing a rash of vandalism to cars and one home over the weekend.  According to Bedford police, sometime Saturday night or early Sunday morning, someone slashed the tires on four different vehicles and used a BB gun to shoot out a car window and a house window. The incidents of vandalism appear to be random and no arrests have been made. Anyone with information should contact the Bedford Police Department at 275-3311. 

August 27th, 2010

August 26th, 2010

Two Indiana State Troopers along with a Lawrence County Deputy and an Oolitic Police Officer have been credited with saving a Hoosier Motorist’s life Wednesday on State Road 37 near Avoca. Master Trooper Mark Clephane along with Trooper Justin Butler was dispatched by the Regional Dispatch Center at the Bloomington Post to what the 911 caller originally suspected to be a domestic disturbance inside the vehicle. Trooper Butler was able to locate the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop with the Oolitic officer. The officers quickly determined there was no disturbance, but the passenger was suffering from respiratory arrest. After taking a pulse, Master Trooper Mark Clephane determined it was too weak and the victim’s breathing was too heavily labored to wait for the ambulance to arrive. Both Troopers placed her in Butler’s police cruiser where she was transported to the Bedford Regional Medical Center. The Doctor on staff at the hospital said the victim probably would have not survived had it not been for the officer’s immediate actions.  

A man suspected of stabbing to death a 31-year-old Indianapolis man, with relatives in Lawrence County was arrested without incident after being found sleeping behind a convenience store in Florissant, Mo., according to police. Police had been in a week-long manhunt for Jack Jacqmain, a convicted bank robber with a history of mental illness.  Police say Jacqmain, 52, stabbed to death Mark Moore at a Motel 6 on Aug. 18 in Walker, Mich. The 31-year-old victim was in west Michigan working for a cable television contractor. Moore is the son-in-law of former Times-Mail Managing Editor and reporter Jeff Hauersperger and his wife, Leeann, who live in Bedford.  Moore lived in Indianapolis with his wife, Jarrin, and their 5-year-old daughter, Kiley.

August 25th, 2010

A Dubois man is in the Dubois County Security Center on a charge of rape. 31 year old Aaron Atkins was arrested Sunday for allegedly giving a woman a controlled substance earlier this month, telling her it was Tylenol. Once the drug had taken effect, Atkins allegedly had sexual intercourse with the woman, who was unaware of the activity because of the drug. After investigation, a warrant for Atkins was issued Friday on a Class “A” Felony count of rape.

A Bloomfield man dragged a woman from her bed and beat her Sunday morning. 49-year-old James D. Dove was arrested after police received a 911 call. When officers arrived at the residence, they learned that the woman had been beaten and strangled by 49 year old James D Dove. The victim, his wife said she had been staying with her father due to martial problems. Dove was taken into custody and transported to the Greene County Jail.

August 23rd, 2010

A local broadcasting pioneer in Indiana has passed away. 90 year old Don H Martin died at his home yesterday. Martin owned and operated WSLM radio in Salem. WSLM went on the air Feb 14 1953, and was dubbed the Sweetheart Station of The Nation. Martin was also responsible for the installation and operation of Salem's original cable TV service and was the owner of the old Salem Cable TV and Salem Cable Channel 5. Martins services will be held Wednesday at First Christian Church of Salem 1PM. Visitation will be at Dawalt Funeral Home in Salem tomorrow 4PM-8PM and at the First Christian Church of Salem Noon til time of services Wednesday.

Indiana Conservation officers are investigating the death of a Columbia City woman in a ATV accident at the Lawrence County Recreational Park. The incident occurred on Saturday around 5PM. 37 year old Deana Wagner was killed. She was reportedly operating a Honda 650 ATV. At the time she was wearing protective gloves and a helmet. A BRMC ambulance was called to the scene and transported Wagner to Monroe Hospital in Bloomington where she was pronounced dead. Officials are still imnvestigating the accident.

August 20th, 2010

A West Baden woman was injured in a one vehicle crash that occurred around 7:50AM Thursday on US 150 near the intersection of CR 275 W, west of Paoli. According to the OCSD, 27 year old Sarah Andrews of Rural west Baden, was driving a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee East on US 150. There was a dense fog settled in the area and the State Highway Department was unloadinga track hoe from a semi tractor and trailer that was packed along the highway. The highway was restricted to one lane and vehicles were stopped with a flagmen directing traffic. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling East when Andrews encountered the construction sign and stopped vehicles. The Grand Cherokee travelled of the south side of the rioad and overturned. Andrews suffered an arm injury in the crash. Property damage was estimated at over $2500.00

A four vehicle cahain reaction crash injured three people near the Beechwood Christian Church in French Lick on Tuesday. According to the French Lick Police, the chain reaction crash started when a 2000 Chevy truck driven by Shawn Stewart hit the back of a 1998 Dodge 3/4 ton work truck driven by Israel Qualkenbush of Paoli. The impact pushed the Dodge truck into the back of a 2002 Chevy driven by Theresa Pate of Paoli, and Pates Chevy hit the back of a 2005 Buick registered to the French Lick Resort Casino and driven by Nina Oakley of Paoli. Following the crash, Pate was transported to BHOC, Oakley and Qualkenbush drove themselves to BHOC to be checked out for minor injuries. Total property damage was estimated at over $20 thousand dollars.

The Attorney General of Indiana has taken civil action against April Eagan-Dorsett, Peggy Dorsett, Randy Dorsett and the Shawswick Township trustee’s insurance provider to recover money that officials claim Eagan-Dorsett stole from the office. The civil filings result from a State Board of Accounts auditor who estimated that Eagan-Dorsett took $157,413 between 2005 to 2010. Another Board of Accounts auditor estimated the loss in excess of $161,000. The state also has asked for a restraining order against the three that includes Peggy Dorsett, the elected township trustee. Eagan-Dorsett is married to Peggy Dorsett’s son, Randy. Eagan-Dorsett, free on bond, is set to go to trial on Nov. 9 in Lawrence Superior Court I on that charge, a Class C felony. The temporary restraining order was granted by Lawrence Circuit Court Judge Andrea McCord earlier this week.

August 19th, 2010

According to an article in the Louisville Courier Journal, Laborers Union local 795 has filed a labor-relations complaint against New Albany based Mac Construction and excavating Incorporated. The complaint accuses Mac Construction managers of illegally threatening union organizers and putting them under surveillance. The complaint was filed Friday with the Indianapolis Region office of the National Labor Relations Board. The reported violations allegedly occurred at a bridge project in French Lick. The union ha reportedly filed a complaint against Mac last year in the Cincinnati Regional Office which was dismissed.

An 8 year old girl has posted incriminating information about her mother on “Myspace” 33 year old Anita Duggins of Oakland City in Gibson County is facing charges of sexual misconduct with a minor. She is accused of having sex with a 15 year old boy. Police say that they began investigating the case after someone noticed Duggins's daughter commenting on “Myspace” after the affair. The daughter later told police that she witnessed the incident while peeking into her mother's room. In an affadavit, the 15 year old admitted to the encounters, but Duggins has not.

A Martin County manufacting plant has announced it will close operations. Perfect Fit Industries officially announced on Friday that it will soon shut down operations in Loogootee. According to the Times Mail, the 95 employees will meet termination by the end of the year. Employment loss will begin October 5^th. Employees received notice of the closing on Wednesday. The company is trying to promote a job fair for the employees. Perfect Fit has been in Loogootee for years. It will be hard news for a town of 2700.

August 18th, 2010

A State Police Public Information Officer who normally submits news of the State Police is now a part of the news. Police Sergeant Curt Durnil, of the Bloomington State Police Post, was returning from the Indiana State Fair with his son when he witnessed the aftermath of a crash. After speaking with some of the accident victims, Sgt. Durnil learned the man who caused the crash had been drinking. Durnil was able to arrest 32-year-old Edgar Martinez as he tried to cross a guard rail near the interstate.

A Columbus man was sentenced to eight and a half years jail time for the attempted theft of anhydrous ammonia in northern Bartholomew last March. 34-year-old Russell Rossman and an accomplice, 37 year old Kevin Edwards, also of Columbus, in the attempted theft, caused the release of a poisonous cloud that delayed the start of area schools and forced the evacuation of residents near Taylorsville. The pair's driver, 26-year-old Ashlie Walsh of Columbus, will have a jury trial on August 31st. She's also charged with trying to smuggle meth and tobacco to Rossman while he was in the Bartholomew County Jail.

An attempted bank holdup in Bloomington Tuesday afternoon didn’t pan out for the thief. A white male entered Union Savings at 2237 South Curry Pike and handed a note to the teller demanding money. When the teller stalled, the would be robber left the bank, taking the note, but no money. No weapon was produced. Surveillance video showed the man almost being hit by traffic while leaving the bank. The man is 5-10, medium build and has a small beard. He was wearing a blue hat with “FBI” on it and a white “T” shirt with an IU logo and wearing jeans. He was carrying a white cap and coat

August 17th, 2020

A Jasper pilot was unjured when his plane’s engine failed Sunday morning neat the Huntingburg airport.   58 year old Robert Ehrhard had just taken off from when the engine of the plane sputtered, then died. Ehrhard landed his disabled Grumman Tiger in a bean field southwest of the airport. Airport manager Travis McQueen, the FAA, and Indiana State Police were all notified of the emergency landing. No damage amount to the plane or the bean field has been made available. Authorities will remove the plane at a later date.

A French Lick man is in the Dubois County Security Center on charges of theft. Jasper City police officials report 25 year old William Burris of French Lick was arrested Friday in connection to thefts that occurred this past Wednesday throughout Jasper. Working with the Indiana State police and Orange County sheriff's deputies, officers were able to identify Burris as a suspect in the thefts Thursday evening. He was located Friday morning and taken in for questioning. Burris was arrested by Jasper police on eleven "D" felony counts of theft and eleven "B" misdemeanor charges of unauthorized vehicle entries. Additional charges and arrests are pending.

A motorcycle crash Friday afternoon sends an Oolitic man to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in critical condition. 49-year-old Preston L. Harris was riding a cycle on Highway 58 near R Street when 74-year-old Phyllis I. Patton attempted to make a left turn onto R Street , crashing into Harris. Patton told police she had judged the motorcycle was at a greater distance than it actually was. Harris and a passenger on the cycle, 33-year-old Shellee R. Craig were thrown an estimated 10 to 15 feet. Both riders were airlifted to the hospital suffering several injuries.

August 16th, 2010

A Crawford County toddler died Sunday morning, after she and her brother attempted to swim in their great grandmothers pool. According to the OCSD, 22 month old Ashlyn Scott, along with her brother, woke up early Sunday morning and decided to swim in their great grandmothers pool located near Patoka Lake. Ashlyns brother, then pulled her from the pool and woke his parents, who called 911. OC Rural 2 VFD and BHOC Ambulance responded to the scene. First responders attempted CPR on the scene and Ashlyn was then transported to BHOC and pronounced dead at 9:43AM.

A Paoli man was arrested early Sunday in French Lick after he reportedly broke windows and attempted to break in a residence at 968 Center Street in French Lick. According to French Lick Police, police received a 911 call at 1:50AM Sunday reporting an unknown subject had broken windows at the home and was running around yelling in the street. When police arrived they found 19 year old Charles Turner of Paoli. Turner resisted arrest and was taken into custody following a brief struggle. He was initially taken to BHOC, then released into police custody. Turner was booked into the OC Jail, charged with residential entry, disorderly conduct, possession of alcohol by a minor, 2 counts of resisting law enforcement, and 2 counts of battery resisting arrest. 

A Salem man was arrested around 6AM Sunday morning when police were called to a disturbance outside a home located at 536 Walnut Street in French Lick. Following an investigation, 47 year old Mark Piatt was preliminarily charged with possession of a stolen pickup truck from Salem. He was booked into the Orange County Jail.

Friday, August 13th, 2010

An Orleans man was treated by ambulance personnel, before being arrested Thursday night. According to Mitchell City Police, 38 year old Chad Gilstrap of Orleans was spotted by Mitchell Officer Cory Knowles, driving down Main Street in Mitchell around 7:26PM last night. Knowles, knowing that Gilstraps license was suspended, pulled him over in the parking lot of Terrys 66 on Main Street in Mitchell. Knowles then asked for Gilstraps license and registration, when he became beligerent. Being the only officer on the scene Knowles attempted to handcuff Gilstrap, to protect himself. Gilstrap during the struggle attempted to reach underneath the seat of his vehicle, when Officer Knowles, used pepper spray to subdue Gilstrap. Gilstrap was then taken into custody following the arrival of a Lawrence County Police Officer. Gilstrap was then treated by ambulance personnel of St Vincent Dunn Hospital for the pepper spray and then taken to the Lawrence County Jail

Thursday afternoon, Indiana State Police responded to 474 Robinson Lane near Vincennes to investigate illegal drug activity. When troopers entered the residence they found methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and a controlled substance. Troopers arrested 39 year old Misty Crosby, and 31 year old Thomas King who both reside at the residence. Troopers also arrested a visitor, 31 year old Gary Goodwin, of Vincennes.  All three are currently being held on bond in the Knox County Jail. Crosby's two children were in school at the time of this incident. 

Thursday, Agust 12th, 2010

A heat advisory is in effect until tomorrow at 7PM for all the Q-100 listening area. Hot temperatures with high humidities are expected through tomorrow afternoon. Heat indices ranging from 100 to 110 degrees is likely. Prolonged exposure to high heat can lead to heat illnesses if prercautions are not taken. People, the elderly and young children and animals are both at risk. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air conditioned room, stay out of the sun and check on neighbors and relatives.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) recently awarded
Orange County $1,140,000 in Local Public Agency (LPA) Group IV funding.  These funds will be used in the Airport Road project. County officials made their case for the federal matching funds before an award panel at the INDOT Vincennes District offices in June.  The panel’s decision to choose Orange County’s project was confirmed in July by a selection committee in Indianapolis.The maximum amount of funding to any one applicant during the 2010 call for projects was $3,000,000 and all awards will require the local entity to provide 20% in matching local funds. 

Emergency attendants at Bedford regional Medical Center, notified the Lawrence County Sheriffs Department, that they were treating two people who had been injured in an ATV accident. According to the Lwrence County Sheriffs Department, 23 year old Brandon Chastain of West Baden was driving an ATV on Twin Ponds road, when the steering failed. Chastain suffered a cut to his head and bruises and scrapes to his body. A passenger 20 year old Tiffany E. Wigley of Orleans suffered broken ribs, a cut to her head and bruises and scrapes to her body. The case was turned over to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources for further investigation.

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

A Paoli man was injured in a moped crash that occurred around 9:14PM Saturday at the intersection of CR 100 W and CR 150 South of Paoli. According to the OCSD, 38 year old Michael Brown Junior of Rural Paoli was riding a 2008 Matrix 50 moped southwest on CR 100 west, when he turned onto CR 150 south and lost control of the moped, hit two signs and went into a ditch. Brown received a head injury in the crash. He was flown by air evac helicopter to the U of L hospital. Police believe alcohol may have been a factor in the cause of the crash.

Three people are facing drug related and other charges following the report of a domestic dispute at 6322 N CR 100 West Orleans. The OCSD received the report of the domestic dispute around 9AM yesterday morning. After polic earrived they found Julia Harper had received injuries. According to the OCSD, Harper is pregnant and there was also a two year old child at the home. Noah Mahan was arrested and charged with Class D Felony battery. Police obtained a search warrant for the residence which led to additional charges being filed against Noah Mahan of dealing marijuana, possession of methamphetamine, and maintaining a common nuisance. Julia Harper was charged with possession of marijuana and visiting a common nuisance, and Donald Mahan was charged with Class D Felony possession of marijuana with a prior and maintaining a common nuisance. The two year old child was turned over to child protective services. Police say other charges are pending. 

The OCSD arrested two men on theft charges around 8:15PM Sunday night after a passerby reported seeing something suspicious at the Grider Flick property along Old 145 in French Lick. A neighbor also called police. When police arrived, they found the men with a truck loaded with scrap metal. The vehicle was impounded. 48 year old William Anson of Huron and 23 year old Matthew Tuell of Mitchell were arrested on prelimary theft charges. Police say other charges are pending.

Tuesday, August 10th, 2010

A heat advisory is in effect through this evening. Temperatures in the 90’s today combined with high humidity levels could produce heat index readings from 102 up to 110 degrees. Prolonged exposure to this type of heat can produce heat illnesses if precautions are not taken. Drink plenty of fluids and if possible stay out of the sun. The August heat brings in the school year. Springs Valley and Orleans Schools begin today and Paoli Schools open Wednesday. Indiana State Police urge motorist to slow down and be alert for school buses.

A pit bull attack at a birthday party in Bloomington has injured a 7 year old boy. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the attack that left the boy with dozen of stitches to his face and several broken teeth. The recent attack happened in a backyard at the home on Woodbine Drive southwest of Bloomington. A neighbor says the boy was attacked during a party at the house.

A Jeffersonville woman gave birth to Quintkuplets on Sunday morning in Louisville, Ky. The five babies and their 29 year old mother, Christy Kessinger were doing fine. The children were at the Kosair Children’s Hospital and the mother is believed to be at Norton Hospital.

Monday, August 9th, 2010

The OC Rural District 2 VFD responded to a barn fire around 4:22PM Saturday. The barn fire was on the Paul Clements property located at 2657 E CR 250 North. 73 year old Paul Clemmons was injured in the fire. He was initially transported to BHOC, then flown by Air Evac helicopter to U of L hospital. He was listed in stable but critical condition. The OC Rural District 2 was assisted by members of the Livonia VFD. Firefighters were out until 7:45PM Saturday night.

Indiana residents are being warned to be on the look out for counterfeit $50.00 bills. Vincennes police report the fake $50.00 bills areshowing up at banks and are so good, only trained professionals are spotting them. The counterfeiters are bleaching $5.00 bills and reprinting it as a $50.00. The pens used to detect fake money is not working because the fake $50.00's are using the right type of paper.

A local doctors criminal case in federal court has been postponed. Dr Kamal Tiwari’s trial, which was scheduled to have begun today (yesterday) has been postponed to January. The complexity of the criminal case against him combined with an upcoming hearing about the attorney general’s request to suspend his medical license have resulted in his trial being postponed. Tiwari is still scheduled to appear before the Indiana Medical Licensing Board Aug. 26 for a hearing to determine whether or not the embattled anesthesiologist will lose his medical license. The attorney general’s office alleges Tiwari contributed to patient deaths by prescribing controlled substances to addicts, and is seeking to have Tiwari’s license to practice medicine suspended.

Friday, August 6th, 2010

A Martin County man is a possible suspect in several robberies at cash advance businesses throughout Central Indiana. According to Bloomington Police, 57 year old Homer Ballard of Loogootee matches the description of the man who held up Advance America Cash Advance on Third Street March 22 in Bloomington. Ballard was arrested May 20 in Corpus Christi Texas on a warrant for armed robbery in Jasper and another warrant in Switzerland County for violating his probation. Bloomington police believe Ballard entered Advance America around 4PM March 22, walked calmly to the counter, showed his handgun and demanded cash. They also suspect he robbed a cash advance store in Terre Haute the same day. Ballard is also suspected in similar armed robberies in Jasper and throughout Indiana, including Marion, Elwood and Terre Haute. He was released from an Indiana state prison in March 2009 after being convicted of criminal confinement in 2005 in Switzerland County and sentenced to 10 years there.