Franklin County Indiana Sheriff's Department

06/03/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 3, 2026

Franklin County Deputy Earns Force Science Analyst Certification

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department is pleased to announce that Deputy Jason Lovins successfully completed coursework through the Force Science Institute on May 28, 2026, and has been certified as a Force Science Analyst.

Deputy Lovins is a 30-year veteran of the Franklin County Sheriff's Department and currently serves as the agency's Training Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has obtained instructor certifications in Defensive Tactics, TASER, and Law Enforcement De-escalation, and has played a significant role in advancing training and professional development within the department.

The Force Science Certification Course provides law enforcement professionals with evidence-based research and training focused on human performance during high-stress, rapidly evolving use-of-force encounters. The course is designed to help officers, investigators, supervisors, and trainers better understand the human factors that influence perception, memory, decision-making, and reaction times during critical incidents.

As part of the certification process, Deputy Lovins received advanced instruction in:

Understanding how memory and perception can differ from forensic evidence and eyewitness accounts.

Recognizing the effects of stress, fatigue, and timing on memory recall.

Conducting accurate and comprehensive post-incident interviews.

Analyzing reaction times and human movement during use-of-force encounters.

Applying evidence-based principles to improve officer performance and decision-making under pressure.

Evaluating critical incidents through the lens of human dynamics and behavioral science.

Sheriff Peter Cates stated, "Deputy Lovins has dedicated three decades of service to the citizens of Franklin County and has consistently demonstrated a commitment to professionalism and training excellence. This certification further enhances our agency's ability to provide modern, evidence-based training while ensuring our investigations and reviews of critical incidents are conducted with the highest level of professionalism and objectivity."

The Franklin County Sheriff's Department remains committed to providing its personnel with advanced training opportunities that improve officer preparedness, strengthen public trust, and promote the highest standards of law enforcement service.

06/02/2026

Batesville Police Department is hiring for 2 positions! The opportunity of a lifetime awaits you! We want you to join our team and be the difference! Deadline for applications is Thursday, July 2.

05/29/2026

05/25/2026

Today, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and selflessness will never be forgotten.

We also recognize the members of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department who have proudly served in the United States Armed Forces. Their continued commitment to serving and protecting our community reflects the same spirit of duty, sacrifice, and love of country demonstrated by those we honor today.

On this Memorial Day, we remember the fallen, support those who have served, and remain forever grateful for the freedoms secured through their sacrifice.

05/25/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On May 24, 2026, at approximately 6:57 p.m., the Franklin County Sheriff's Department responded to a report of shots fired in the area of 12589 Whitcomb Road.

The caller reported observing a blue van in the area and advised that shots had allegedly been fired from near the roadway. The vehicle was later located at Fox Run Campground by assisting officers from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Laurel Police Department.

During the course of the investigation, deputies recovered a .22 caliber shell casing from the roadway and later seized a R***r 10/22 rifle believed to be associated with the incident. Deputies also conducted follow-up checks in the surrounding area to ensure no injuries or property damage had occurred.

Logan M. Rowlett, 24, of Cincinnati, was taken into custody and transported to the Franklin County Security Center on a preliminary charge of Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, a Level 6 Felony. A preliminary charge related to possession of ma*****na was also submitted.

Assisting agencies included the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and the Laurel Police Department.

All criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Investigating Officer: Sgt. Adam Henson

The investigation remains ongoing.

05/24/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

On May 24, 2026, Deputy Alex VanWinkle with the Franklin County Sheriff's Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 25,000 block of Stipps Hill Road for an alleged equipment violation involving a loud exhaust system.

During the course of the stop, Deputy VanWinkle observed behavior that led to further investigation. As a result of the investigation, suspected methamphetamine and alleged drug paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle.

Amanda Geary, 42, of Laurel, was taken into custody and transported to the Franklin County Security Center on a preliminary charge of Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony.

All criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Investigating Deputy: Alex VanWinkle

The investigation remains ongoing.

05/04/2026

During National Corrections Officer Week, we want to recognize and thank our Corrections Officers for the work they do every day.

Much of what they do happens behind the scenes, but it is critical to the safety and operation of our facility and our community. They maintain order, ensure security, and handle difficult situations with professionalism.

They are a key part of our mission.

Thank you for your dedication and service to Franklin County.

04/23/2026

Great collaborative effort from all involved! Good job Officers

News Release
Brookville Police Department

The Brookville Police Department reports the following arrests:

Matthew K. Hamilton ( DOB: 09/13/1973)
Preliminary Charges:
Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 2 Felony)
Unlawful Possession of Syringe (Level 6 Felony)
Possession of Ma*****na (Class B Misdemeanor)
Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor)

Rachel A. Potter (DOB: 08/21/1985)
Preliminary Charges:
Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)

On April 21st, 2026 officers with the Brookville Police Department were dispatched to a rolling domestic. A vehicle matching the description provided by dispatch was located on Webers Lane and a traffic stop was initiated. Hamilton was observed by officers to be the driver of the vehicle and Potter was a passenger. While conducting the traffic stop paraphernalia was observed inside the vehicle resulting in a search.

During the search, officers located and seized the following items: approximately 49 grams of methamphetamine, syringes, approximately 37 grams of ma*****na, controlled substances, baggies, scales, and drug paraphernalia.

Both suspects were taken into custody without incident and transported to the Franklin County Security Center.

The investigation was conducted by Brookville Officer Matthew Bennett, with assistance from Brookville Officer Savannah Sturgill, and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department.

The case has been submitted to the Franklin County Prosecutor’s Office for review and formal charging determination.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

04/19/2026

Today, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department had the opportunity to compete in the first-ever Responder Class at Cub Scout Pack 46’s Pinewood Derby.

In a three-race heat, the Sheriff’s Department car narrowly edged out both the Brookville Police Department and the Brookville Volunteer Fire Department.

A special thank you to Nick Schuck for designing and building our car. Nick continues to be a tremendous asset to our agency as a member of our support staff, and we truly appreciate his efforts.

We also want to thank Pack 46 for the invitation and hospitality. We look forward to competing again next year.