Madison County Prosecutor's Office

06/04/2026

On June 3, 2026, a Madison County Circuit Court 1 jury found Donavan Harris (20 of Anderson) guilty of Count I: Murder, a felony; Count II: Attempted Armed Robbery, a Level 3 felony; and Count III: Criminal Confinement, a level 3 felony. Following the jury's verdict, Judge Angela Warner Sims scheduled Harris' sentencing for July 7, 2026, where he faces a maximum possible sentence of 65 years.

Harris' charges stem from the shooting death of 15-year-old Jullian D. Craig, who was killed during the commission of an attempted armed robbery on November 24, 2023. The evidence presented at trial proved that Craig was armed with a handgun lying in the backseat of a vehicle driven by Harris, when the pair lured a subject into the vehicle with the promise of paying a debt owed. During an altercation inside the vehicle, the victim of the attempted robbery shot and killed Craig in self-defense.

Under the doctrine of "Felony Murder", when someone commits or attempts to commit certain serious felonies, such as robbery, and a death results during the commission of that crime, the participants can be held responsible for the death. The law recognizes that some crimes are so inherently dangerous that those who choose to commit them should be held accountable for the foreseeable consequences thereof, including the loss of human life.

At trial, the State's case was presented by Deputy Prosecutors Jennifer Haley and Samanthan Green. The case was investigated by Officer Travis Thompson, formerly of the Anderson Police Department, now employed by the Pendleton Police Department.

Madison County Indiana Prosecutor's Office, Rodney Cummings

06/03/2026

On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Judge David Happe sentenced Dayqawn Peoples (33 of Anderson) to an aggregate sentence of 75 years.

On April 17, 2026, a Madison County Circuit 4 jury found Peoples guilty of Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, a Level 1 felony, Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, a Level 2 felony, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, a Level 4 felony.

Judge Happe imposed a sentence of 40 years for Dealing in a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, a Level 1 felony, 25 years for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, a Level 2 felony, and 10 years for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, a Level 4 felony, all to be served consecutively at the Indiana Department of Correction for a total aggregate sentence of 75 years.

The charges stem from the January 22, 2025 overdose death of Morgan Whetsel. As part of the investigation, police executed a search warrant at Peoples' residence and located approximately two pounds of He**in and a 45 caliber G***k handgun with a loaded high capacity drum magazine. The investigation also revealed evidence that Peoples had previously distributed over four pounds of He**in.

At trial, the State's case was presented by Deputy Prosecutors Jesse Miller and Tyler Piraino. The case was investigated by Detective Lance Blossom of the Anderson Police Department.

Peoples’ criminal history was considered as an aggravator at sentencing, which includes the following convictions:

2012: Possession of Co***ne, a Class B felony;
2012: Carrying a Handgun Without a License, a Class A misdemeanor;
2013: Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor;
2013: Possession of Ma*****na, a Class A misdemeanor;
2013: Possession of a Controlled Substance, a Class D felony;
2013: Dealing in Co***ne, a Class B felony;
2013: Armed Robbery, a Class B felony;
2013: Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A misdemeanor;
2014: Dealing in Co***ne, a Class B felony;
2014: Dealing in Co***ne, a Class B felony; and
2014: Dealing in Co***ne, a Class B felony.

Madison County Indiana Prosecutor's Office, Rodney Cummings

05/29/2026

The Madison County Prosecutor’s Office hosted our Special Victims Unit Summit today, bringing together prosecutors, police officers, victim advocates, forensic interviewers, medical professionals, and community partners who work every day to protect victims and pursue justice.

The SVU Summit focused on strengthening our response to domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and other crimes involving vulnerable victims through collaboration, education, and best practices.

A special thank you to our presenters:

• Courtney Curtis (Assistant Executive Director, Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council) – Neurobiology of Trauma
• Amy Blackett (Domestic Violence / S*xual Assault Resource Prosecutor, Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council) – Dynamics of Intimate Partner Violence & Counter-Intuitive Victim Behavior
• Jaime Nelson (Deputy Prosecutor, Madison County Prosecutor’s Office) – Strengthening Domestic Violence Cases in Madison County
• Becky Oldham (Manager, Kids Talk Child Advocacy Center) – Forensic Interviews & MDT Requirements
• Dan Kopp (S*x Crimes Prosecutor, Madison County Prosecutor’s Office) – S*x Crimes Investigation
• Samantha Green – (Juvenile Prosecutor, Madison County Prosecutor’s Office) - S*xual Assault Response Team Updates & Juvenile Courts
• Angie Morris (Community Hospital Anderson, Nursing Manager of the S*xual Assault Treatment Center) - S*xual Assault Treatment Center Updates
• Lt. Doug Baker (Fishers Police Department, Hamilton County Metro ICAC Task Force) - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

Protecting victims requires a coordinated community response. We are grateful for the dedication of everyone who attended and for the partnerships that make this work possible.

05/26/2026

Today, we are proud to recognize Prosecutor Rodney Cummings on receiving the Leadership in Law: Distinguished Barrister Award from the Indiana Lawyer magazine.

This award honors attorneys throughout Indiana who have demonstrated exceptional skill, professionalism, and dedication to the practice of law. Prosecutor Cummings was nominated for the award by the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, which selects only one of Indiana’s 91 elected prosecutors each year to nominate for the award. The nomination received letters of support from acclaimed gospel singer Bill Gaither, Congresswoman Victoria Spartz, and Judges Rudy Pyle and Robert Altice of the Indiana Court of Appeals. The profile featured in the Indiana Lawyer is included below:

“Rodney Cummings has seen both sides of the law. He spent much of his childhood in orphanages and foster homes and in 1973 was convicted of burglary for stealing a coin collection, earning him three years of probation. Determined to turn his life around, Cummings was mentored by police officers at the Anderson Police Athletic League, becoming a formidable amateur boxer and briefly fighting professionally.

In 1979, he was pardoned by Gov. Otis Bowen and joined the Anderson Police Department the following year. “I regularly worked alongside prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges,” Cummings said. “Realizing that I lacked their depth of legal knowledge and understanding, I decided to pursue a law degree, a decision that may have been the best I ever made.” While working full time, he completed both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, earned a law degree, and graduated from the Indianapolis Police Department Criminal Investigations School.

In 1994, he made national headlines when he was elected to the office of Madison County Prosecutor, defeating incumbent William F. Lawler Jr. — the man who had prosecuted him 21 years before. Cummings has since been elected to seven terms.”

05/18/2026

On Monday, May 18, 2026, following a five-day trial, a Madison County Circuit Court 4 jury found Kyree Craver (19 of Anderson) guilty of the following offenses:

Count 1: Aiding, Inducing, or Causing Murder, a felony;
Count 2: Attempted Murder, a Level 1 felony;
Count 3: Conspiracy to Commit Murder, a Level 2 felony;
Count 4: Dangerous Possession of a Firearm, a Class A misdemeanor;
Count 5: Criminal Organization Activity, a Level 5 felony; and
Count 6: Criminal Organization Enhancement.

Craver's charges stem from the February 2, 2025 shooting death of 26-year-old Dayla Swain outside of Sonny Ray's in Anderson.

Judge David Happe set Craver's sentencing for June 23, 2026, where he faces a maximum possible sentence of 176 years. The case was investigated by Det. Brett Webb of the Anderson Police Department. The State's case was presented by Deputy Prosecutors Tyler Piraino and Jesse Miller.

Madison County Indiana Prosecutor's Office, Rodney Cummings

05/18/2026

On Monday, May 18, 2026, Judge Angela Warner Sims sentenced Marcus Randall (48 of Anderson) to 43 years to be executed at the Indiana Department of Correction.

On April 6, 2026, Randall pleaded guilty to the following offenses:

Count 1: Dealing in Co***ne, a Level 2 felony;
Count 2: Dealing in Co***ne, a Level 2 felony;
Count 3: Dealing in Co***ne, a Level 2 felony;
Count 4: Dealing in Narcotic Drug, a Level 2 felony;
Count 5: Possession of Co***ne, a Level 6 felony; and
Count 6: Habitual Offender Enhancement.

On Monday, May 18, 2026, Randall was sentenced to 25 years for Counts 1-5 enhanced by an additional 15 years for the Habitual Offender Enhancement for a total sentence of 40 years to be executed to the Indiana Department of Correction.

The case was investigated by Detective Chris Frazier of the Anderson Police Department's Narcotics Unit. The State's case was investigated by Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Haley.

Madison County Indiana Prosecutor's Office, Rodney Cummings

05/18/2026

On Monday, May 18, 2026, Judge Angela Warner Sims sentenced Marquan Robinson (30 of Anderson) to 21 years to be executed at the Indiana Department of Correction.

On March 16, 2026, Robinson pleaded guilty under 48C01-2509-F3-002675 to:
Count 1: Possession of a Narcotic Drug, a Level 3 Felony;
Count 2: Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony;
Count 3: Intimidation, a Level 5 Felony;
Count 4: Criminal Recklessness, a Level 6 Felony;
Count 5: Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Endangering a Person, a Class A Misdemeanor; and
Count 6: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, a Level 4 Felony.

And, under 48C01-2601-F5-000041 Robinson pleaded guilty to Count 1: Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 5 felony.

On May 18, 2026, Robinson received an aggregate sentence of 21 years to be executed at the Indiana Department of Correction.

48C01-2509-F3-002675 was investigated by Deputy Samir Khan of the Madison County Sheriff's Department and 48C01-2601-F5-000041 was investigated by Officer Zachary Saylor of the Anderson Police Department. The State's cases were presented by Deputy Prosecutor Jennifer Haley.

Madison County Indiana Prosecutor's Office, Rodney Cummings

05/14/2026

05/12/2026

During this National Police Week, we proudly recognize the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of the men and women in law enforcement who serve and protect our community.

This week, we also pause to remember and honor the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. We will never forget:

Patrolman Noah Shahnavaz
Elwood Police Department
EOW: Sunday, July 31, 2022

K-9 Kilo
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Thursday, July 26, 2012

K-9 Magnum
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Monday, August 20, 2012

Patrolman Henry Hall
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Saturday, May 18, 1957

Patrolman Frank M. Levy
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Monday, November 25, 1935

Patrolman Willard Van Horn
Elwood Police Department
EOW: Tuesday, July 5, 1932

Chief Opal Hughes
Alexandria Police Department
EOW: Thursday, February 17, 1927

Patrolman Leonard Clay
Anderson Police Department
EOW: Monday, May 31, 1926

Turnkey Johnathan Armstrong
Madison County Sheriff's Department
EOW: Sunday, March 9, 1919

Constable Albert Hawkins
Madison County Sheriff’s Department
EOW: Wednesday, July 9, 1913

Chief John Ellis
Alexandria Police Department
EOW: Monday, March 6, 1911

Patrolman Virgil Kirkman
Alexandria Police Department
EOW: Saturday, March 4, 1911

Patrolman George Lee
Alexandria Police Department
EOW: Thursday, December 7, 1899

05/04/2026

The internet is a powerful tool, but it also presents real risks for our kids.

Predators are increasingly using digital platforms to connect with, monitor, and exploit children. As parents, educators, and community members, staying informed is one of the best ways we can protect them.

Join a FREE Internet Safety Seminar:

Monday, May 4, 2026
6:00 PM
Anderson High School

This seminar is hosted in partnership with Anderson Community Schools and the City of Anderson Police Department, Indiana and will provide practical, real-world information on:
• Current online threats facing students
• How predators operate
• Tools and strategies to keep kids safe

If you have children, work with youth, or simply care about the safety of our community, this is worth your time.

Let’s work together to protect our students.