Allen County Prosecutor's Office

09/10/2026

Learning. Growing. Investing in our people.

Our office is represented this week at the NDAA 2026 Retention & Recruitment Symposium in Seattle, continuing to learn, share ideas and bring back new tools to strengthen our team.

We believe retention matters. When we invest in the people who serve our office, we build a stronger, more experienced and more effective team. And a stronger office means a stronger community.

We’re proud to continue learning, improving and investing in the future of the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office — because ultimately, it’s about serving our community better. ⚖️

09/09/2026

Stephen Bush Sentenced to 178 Years

Stephen Bush was sentenced today to 178 years in the Indiana Department of Correction—the maximum sentence allowed by law.

Bush was found guilty by a jury on August 13, 2026, of four counts of Child Molesting, Level 1 felonies, and two counts of S*xual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 felony and a Level 5 felony.

The Court sentenced Bush to an aggregate sentence of 178 years.

Deputy Prosecutors Tracy Heltz Noetzel and Emily Snyder represented the State of Indiana throughout the pendency of the case, trial, and sentencing.

Deputy Prosecutor Noetzel expressed her gratitude for the dedicated work of the Fort Wayne Police Department’s victim advocates, officers, and detectives; the Indiana Department of Child Services; the Dr. Bill Lewis Center for Children; the Fort Wayne S*xual Assault Treatment Center; and the attorneys and staff of the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

“This outcome was made possible most importantly by the courage of the victim, who came forward after enduring nearly eight years of abuse,” Noetzel said. “We are grateful for the strength and courage it took to come forward and for the many professionals who supported the victim and helped bring this case to justice.”

09/04/2026

For the past two days, our attorneys have been sharpening their skills through intensive trial advocacy training—because when it comes to serving our community, there’s always more to learn and room to grow.
The courtroom demands preparation, skill, and a commitment to doing the job well. Our team is dedicated to continually improving so we can be the strongest advocates possible for justice, accountability, and our community.
Learning never stops. The work never stops. And neither does our commitment to Allen County.

08/26/2026

Chief Counsel Tesa Helge and other staff members were grateful to get out and connect with citizens of Allen County at Community Conversations, hosted by Allen County INfo. Thank you for hosting us and giving us the opportunity to connect with our community! We enjoyed seeing everyone and having great conversations.

08/21/2026

Jury Finds Cameron Kizer Jr. Guilty of Murder and Firearm Enhancement

After a four-day jury trial and just under three and a half hours of deliberation, a jury has found Cameron Kizer Jr. guilty of Murder and the Firearm Enhancement.

The charges stem from the July 25, 2024, shooting that claimed the life of 20-year-old Jathen Maxwell.

The case was tried by Chief Deputy Prosecutor Thomas Chaille and Deputy Prosecutor Veronica Weaver.

Murder carries a sentencing range of 45 to 65 years, with an advisory sentence of 55 years. The Firearm Enhancement carries an additional 5 to 20 years, which must be served consecutively to the sentence for the underlying offense.

Judge Gull will determine Kizer’s sentence on October 16 at 1pm.

We thank the Fort Wayne Police Department for their thorough investigation and continued work on behalf of Jathen Maxwell and his family. We extend our deepest sympathies to Jathen’s family and loved ones, who have endured an unimaginable loss.

08/13/2026

Stephen Bush Found Guilty of Multiple Felony S*x Crimes
Following Jury Trial

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — A jury has found Stephen Bush guilty of multiple felony s*x crimes following a three day jury trial in Allen Superior Court. Bush was originally charged on December 1, 2023.

After deliberating for less than two hours, the jury found Bush guilty of:
 Count I: Child Molesting, a Level 1 felony
 Count II: Child Molesting, a Level 1 felony
 Count III: Child Molesting, a Level 1 felony
 Count IV: Child Molesting, a Level 1 felony
 Count V: S*xual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 felony
 Count VI: S*xual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 5 felony

A Level 1 felony carries a sentencing range of 20 to 40 years. A Level 4 felony carries a sentencing range of 2 to 12 years, and a Level 5 felony carries a sentencing range of 1 to 6 years.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 9, 2026, before Judge Frances Gull.

Bush was tried in absentia. He was subsequently apprehended on his warrant and was present in court when the jury’s verdicts were read.

The case was tried by Allen County Deputy Prosecutors Tracy Noetzel and Emily Snyder.

08/07/2026

Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office Concludes Review of
Anita Grayson Death Investigation

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has concluded its review of the investigation into the death of Anita Grayson, who died following a physical altercation at the Tim Hortons restaurant on Ice Way in Fort Wayne on May 13, 2026. Based on the evidence reviewed, prosecutors have determined that criminal charges will not be filed.

This is a heartbreaking situation for everyone involved and especially for Ms. Grayson's family. We recognize this case has drawn significant public attention, and we understand that the community deserves to know not only our decision, but how we reached our determination. To provide that transparency, we are releasing a report outlining the evidence reviewed, the applicable law, and the legal analysis that led to our decision. We have given this case a fair and thorough review, and evaluated it on the evidence and the law, the same standard we apply to every case that comes before this office.

Click to follow link to INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office Concludes Review of Anita Grayson Death InvestigationFORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Allen County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has concluded its revi

07/24/2026

Devon Stewart Sentenced to 55 Years for Murder; Senate Bill 9 Used to Require Defendant's Presence at Sentencing Hearing

Devon Stewart, 19, was sentenced to 55 years in the Indiana Department of Correction after pleading guilty in connection with the June 1, 2025, shooting death of 86-year-old Alice Hall.

Stewart entered into a plea agreement on June 22, 2026. Judge David Zent accepted the agreement during Friday's sentencing hearing.

Initially, Stewart refused to attend the hearing. The State requested that pursuant to the newly enacted Senate Bill 9, Stewart be required to attend the hearing. The Judge agreed and Allen County Sheriff's Deputies advised the Defendant that he must attend. Consequently, Stewart was in the courtroom to hear the impact this crime has had on Hall's family.

William Britt, who was also charged in connection with Hall's death, is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2026.

"While no sentence can undo the tremendous loss suffered by Alice Hall's family, today's sentencing ensures Mr. Stewart has accepted responsibility for his actions and will serve a lengthy prison sentence for what he has done," said Allen County Chief Counsel Prosecutor Tesa Helge.

The Allen County Prosecutor's Office thanks the Fort Wayne Police Department for its continued commitment to seeking justice for victims and the community.

07/22/2026

Brauch Wilkins-Pease Pleads Guilty to Murder

Brauch Wilkins-Pease pleaded guilty to Murder in Allen Superior Court.

Under the terms of the plea agreement, Wilkins-Pease will receive a sentence of 55 years, with 45 years to be served in the Indiana Department of Correction, followed by 10 years suspended, including five years on Active Adult Probation.

As part of the plea agreement, the State will dismiss the pending Firearm Enhancement.

As a result of the guilty plea, the jury trial scheduled to begin July 28 will not proceed.

The plea agreement remains subject to acceptance by the Court. If accepted, sentencing will take place on August 21, 2026.

07/21/2026

Gregory Montgomery Sentenced to 60 Years Following Attempted Murder Conviction

Gregory Montgomery was sentenced on July 16, 2026, to a total of 60 years in the Indiana Department of Correction following his conviction for the attempted murder of the victim.

After a four-day jury trial in June, Montgomery was found guilty of Attempted Murder, a Level 1 Felony, as well as the accompanying Felony Handgun Enhancement.

At sentencing, the Allen Superior Court ordered Montgomery to serve 40 years executed for Attempted Murder, with an additional 20 years executed for the Felony Handgun Enhancement, for an aggregate sentence of 60 years.

"This sentence reflects the seriousness of this violent crime and delivers justice for the victim," said Trial Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jamie Groves. "We are grateful to the jurors for their careful attention throughout the trial and for their service to our community. We also extend our sincere appreciation to the Fort Wayne Police Department for its thorough investigation and to everyone whose work contributed to holding the defendant accountable."

The Allen County Prosecutor's Office remains committed to seeking justice for victims and protecting the safety of our community.