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Howard County Sheriff's Office

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Howard County Sheriff's Office

Welcome to the official page of the Howard County Sheriff's Office. Jerry L. Asher, Sheriff

The Howard County Criminal Justice Center is comprised of many divisions working together to serve the community. The following divisions are located within the department:

Administrative (s*x offender registry, gun permits, alarm permits, Sheriff Sales)

Civil Process (small claims, evictions, foreclosures, etc.) Corrections (pre-trial detainees, sentenced offenders)

Criminal Investigations (Detectives)

Howard County / Kokomo 911 dispatch center

Patrol (road Deputies).

06/04/2026

Are you ready to answer the call and join a team dedicated to service beyond self? This year, we invite YOU to take the first step toward a fulfilling career in law enforcement!

Date: Saturday, June 27, 2026
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: Northwestern School Corporation Field House

Please complete an application prior to this date and email to [email protected].
https://www.in.gov/counties/howard/files/Sherrifs-Office-Employment-Appl..pdf

New Physical Fitness Standards (ILEA):
https://www.in.gov/ilea/physical-fitness-standards/

The written test will begin promptly at 8:00 A.M. with the physical test directly after.

For more details, visit our website at https://sheriff.howardcountyin.gov/ or contact Christina Kline @ 765-456-2020 or via email at [email protected]

Captain Buckley

05/28/2026

Each May, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office conducts its annual Department Inspection. During this longstanding tradition, employees report with their uniforms, vehicles, and issued equipment prepared to inspection-level standards. The inspection serves as an opportunity to demonstrate the pride our staff takes in maintaining the equipment entrusted to them, while also reflecting the professionalism and discipline expected throughout the agency.

In addition to the inspection itself, the event allows us to recognize the outstanding work, dedication, and accomplishments of our personnel over the past year through a variety of departmental awards and commendations.

Carl A. Koontz Deputy of the Year Award
This award is one of the most prestigious recognitions a deputy can receive within the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. Unlike many awards that are based on statistics or productivity, this recognition is earned through peer nomination and an administrative review process designed to identify a deputy who exemplifies the core values of the profession. Recipients of this award demonstrate exceptional leadership, professionalism, integrity, community service, and dedication to the citizens of Howard County.
This award is named in honor of Deputy Carl A. Koontz #34-76, who paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty on March 20, 2016. Deputy Koontz embodied the principles of Honor, Service, Commitment, and Dedication, and his legacy continues to guide the members of this agency each day.

Recipient: Deputy Jason Neal #34-104

Corrections Officer of the Year Award
This award recognizes a correctional officer who consistently demonstrates professionalism, dependability, leadership, and dedication to the mission of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. The recipient exemplifies the highest standards of service, integrity, and commitment within the Corrections Division.

Recipient: Corrections Officer Zachary Bentley

Dispatcher of the Year Award
This award recognizes a dispatcher who consistently demonstrates professionalism, dependability, leadership, and exceptional service throughout the year. The recipient exemplifies the critical role communications personnel play in supporting deputies, coordinating emergency response efforts, and serving the citizens of Howard County with excellence.

Recipient: Dispatcher Hannah Rumsey

SERT Officer of the Year Award
This award is presented to a member of the Special Emergency Response Team who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to training, operational readiness, teamwork, and tactical performance throughout the year. The recipient has distinguished themselves through reliability, professionalism, and commitment to the team’s mission.

Recipient: Corrections Sergeant Brian Jameson

Lifesaving Award
This award recognizes personnel whose actions directly contributed to saving or preserving a human life. Recipients demonstrated decisive action, professionalism, composure under pressure, and a commitment to serving others during critical incidents.

Recipients:
Deputy Artemio Cardenas #34-100
Deputy Jason Neal #34-104
Sergeant Michael Hamilton #34-78
Deputy Keegan Pyke #34-92
Deputy Kenny Parson #34-95
Deputy Chris Sanders #34-99
Corrections Officer Jeffrey Blanton
Dispatch Corporal Abbi Bock
Dispatcher Brandon Fisher
Corrections Officer Nolan Kelly

Distinguished Service Award
This award is presented to personnel who consistently demonstrate professionalism, leadership, initiative, and exceptional performance in the ex*****on of their duties. Recipients represent the highest standards of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office through their dedication to service and commitment to the community.
Recipients:

Sergeant Michael Hamilton #34-78
Deputy Ezekiel Zimmerman #34-81
Deputy Kody Detamore #34-86
Dispatch Corporal Abbi Bock

Letter of Commendation
This award is presented to personnel who demonstrated exemplary conduct, leadership, initiative, or performance during a specific incident or over an extended period of time. Recipients have distinguished themselves through professionalism, teamwork, sound decision-making, and actions that reflect positively upon the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the citizens we serve.

Recipients:
Dispatcher Katrina Atie
Dispatcher Trenton Casler
Dispatcher Shane Coster
Dispatcher Aimee Day
Corrections Corporal Leann Devine
Dispatcher Brandon Fisher
Dispatch Sergeant Blake Mendenhall
Dispatch Corporal Tanya Paquet
Dispatcher Kim Silcox
Civil Process Server Micha Thomas
Corrections Officer Zaria Tyler
Dispatcher Kaylee Wilson

Certificate of Collaboration
This award recognizes an individual or partnering agency who has demonstrated exceptional cooperation, teamwork, and dedication in support of the Howard County Sheriff’s Office. Recipients of this award consistently work beyond the boundaries of their own agency or assignment to promote officer safety, operational effectiveness, and the overall mission of public safety within Howard County.

Recipient: Kokomo Police Officer Ryan Adams and K9 Perec

Top Shot Award
This award is presented to the deputy who achieved the highest score during the department’s annual handgun qualification. It reflects excellence in fi****ms proficiency, discipline, and dedication to maintaining critical law enforcement skills.

Recipient: Sergeant Stephen Kline #34-64

Traffic Enforcement Award
This award is presented to the deputy who conducted the highest number of traffic stops as the primary officer during the evaluation period. Traffic enforcement plays a vital role in reducing crashes, promoting roadway safety, and proactively addressing criminal activity within the community.

Recipient: Deputy Jason Neal #34-104

Criminal Arrests Award
This award is presented to the deputy who conducted the highest number of criminal and warrant arrests as the primary officer during the evaluation period. The award reflects proactive law enforcement efforts and a continued commitment to public safety.

Recipient: Deputy Jason Neal #34-104

DUI Enforcement Award
This award recognizes the deputy who conducted the highest number of Operating While Intoxicated investigations resulting in arrest during the evaluation period. The recipient’s efforts directly contribute to keeping impaired drivers off our roadways and protecting the public.

Recipient: Deputy Jason Neal #34-104

05/13/2026

DATE: May 12th, 2026

CONTACT: K-9 Detective William Cline
Violent Crimes Sheriff Task Force Unit
Howard County Sheriff’s Office

SUBJECT: Seatbelt Enforcement Patrols

Kokomo–Howard County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI) to urge Hoosiers to buckle up as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign, a high-visibility enforcement effort focused on increasing seatbelt use.
Beginning May 12 through May 31, 2026, officers will work overtime to ensure drivers and passengers are using their seatbelts and children are properly secured. The overtime patrols are funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through ICJI’s Comprehensive Highway Injury Reduction Program (CHIRP).
“Buckling up is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones on the road,” said Douglas Huntsinger, executive director of the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. “Seatbelts save lives every day, and every trip should begin with making sure everyone is secured before hitting the road.”
Since 2021, Indiana has seen a steady decline in fatalities among passenger vehicle occupants not wearing seatbelts. Seatbelt usage among Hoosiers has also increased, reaching 94.1% in 2025 according to the Annual Seat Belt Usage Survey conducted by Purdue University Center for Road Safety in partnership with ICJI. This rate is above the national average of 91.2% usage in 2024.
“Too often, we see tragedies that could have been prevented with one simple click of a seatbelt,” said Capt. Buckley. “Buckling up isn’t just the law. It’s a responsibility that helps ensure you make it home safely.” Indiana law requires drivers and all passengers to buckle up. Children under age eight must be properly restrained in a federally approved child car seat or booster seat. Drivers can be cited for lack of seat belt use, but also for each unbuckled passenger under the age of 16.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to make sure children are in the right car seat and that it is used correctly and properly installed. Resources can be found at www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat. To schedule an appointment with a certified car seat safety technician at one of Indiana’s 100 fitting stations, visit on.in.gov/SafeKids.
CHIRP is supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute. For more information about ICJI’s traffic safety programs, visit www.in.gov/cji.

K-9 Detective William Cline
Violent Crimes Sheriff Task Force Unit
Howard County Sheriff’s Office
1800 W Markland Ave,
Kokomo, IN 46901

05/11/2026

During National Police Week, we pause to remember the men and women across this country who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to others.

This year carries an especially heavy meaning for the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, as it marks 10 years since we lost Deputy Carl Koontz #34-76 in the line of duty.

Ten years later, his absence is still felt. His sacrifice is still remembered. And his legacy still lives on in the work carried out each day by the men and women who continue to serve this community.

National Police Week is not only about remembrance. It is also about reflection. It is a reminder that behind every badge is a family, a story, and a commitment to something greater than self.

This week in Washington, D.C., 363 fallen law enforcement officers will have their names added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, including 109 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2025.

Please keep the families of the fallen in your thoughts this week, and take a moment to remember those who gave everything in service to their communities.

Deputy Carl Koontz will never be forgotten. Neither will the thousands of heroes whose names are etched into that memorial wall.

Captain Buckley

05/04/2026

“No group of Americans has a more difficult or less publicly visible job than the brave men and women who work in our correctional facilities.”— Ronald Reagan

This week is National Correctional Officers Week, and it’s an opportunity to recognize a group that doesn’t always get the attention they deserve.

Our Corrections Officers work in a challenging environment every day. They maintain order, ensure safety, and handle situations that most people will never see or fully understand.

It’s not a job for everyone, but it’s a job that matters.

We appreciate the work they do and the role they play in keeping our community safe.

Please join us in thanking them.

Captain Buckley

05/01/2026

Congratulations to the five recipients of the Carl Koontz Memorial Scholarship!

We are incredibly proud to announce this year's scholarship awardees, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, hard work, and commitment to their education and community. This scholarship, supported by the proceeds from our annual golf outing at Wildcat Creek Golf Course, members of the Sheriff's Office, and other community donations, honors the legacy of Carl Koontz by helping students achieve their academic dreams.

Your achievements are an inspiration to us all, and we know you will continue to make a positive impact in everything you do. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Captain Buckley

(Photo L-R)

Sgt. Markley
Sgt. Kline
Major Cook
Braden Wunderlich (Taylor)
Kendall Depoy (Western)
Landon Munoz (Northwestern)
Elle Winger (Eastern)
Caleb Taflinger (Kokomo)
Sheriff Asher
Detective Gibson

04/30/2026

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit continued its commitment to excellence this past Friday with specialized training conducted at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

K9 teams, including K9 Kees (Det. Cline) and K9 Sadie (Lt. Bray), were introduced to a unique and challenging environment that differs significantly from their normal operational settings. Training at a large-scale venue such as the speedway provided exposure to new surfaces, scents, distractions, and spatial dynamics. These factors are critical to enhancing K9s’ adaptability and performance in real-world situations.

This change of venue plays an important role in strengthening each team’s overall capability. By working in unfamiliar environments, both K9s and their handlers improve communication, tracking proficiency, and response effectiveness under varying conditions.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to ongoing training that prepares its K9 Unit to better serve and protect the residents of Howard County. Opportunities like this ensure that K9 Kees and K9 Sadie are ready to respond wherever they are needed, with the highest level of professionalism and reliability.

Captain Buckley

04/24/2026

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce the hiring of two new deputies, Micah Thomas #34-109 and Nick Begley #34-110.

Both deputies will begin their careers by attending the 16-week Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) starting in May. Upon successful completion, they will return to Howard County to complete a 14-week, rigorous Field Training Program (FTO), where they will work alongside experienced deputies to develop the skills necessary to serve the community.

Deputy Micah Thomas was born in Kokomo, Indiana, and has spent the majority of his life in Greentown. He graduated from Eastern High School in 2013. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Thomas worked as a Manufacturing Supervisor for Atkore (formerly Allied Tube and Conduit). He most recently served as a Civil Process Server with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, beginning in September 2025.

Deputy Nick Begley is a graduate of Tipton High School and enlisted in the United States Army in 2004, where he served for ten years as a Military Policeman, including deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. He brings with him a strong background in leadership, having held management roles in both military and civilian production environments. Deputy Begley currently serves as a Corrections Officer with the Howard County Jail. He and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 17 years. She is a real estate agent with The Wyman Group. Together, they have two sons, Collin and Gavin, who attend Northwestern School Corporation.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office is proud to welcome both Deputy Thomas and Deputy Begley to the agency and looks forward to their continued growth and service to the residents of Howard County.

Captain Buckley

04/22/2026

Today, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize our dedicated Administrative Professionals.

They are the ones working behind the scenes every day, keeping things organized, keeping things moving, and making sure everything runs the way it’s supposed to.

Quite simply, they are a critical part of what makes this office function.

We say it often, but it’s true… they are the backbone of this office.

Thank you for what you do each day. Your work matters, and it does not go unnoticed.

Captain Buckley

04/16/2026

Seven Arrested Following Warrant Service and Narcotics Investigation

On April 9, 2026, at approximately 9:04 p.m., deputies with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office went to a hotel in the 3900 block of South Reed Road in Kokomo in an effort to locate a wanted subject, identified as Jacob Shiraef (age 31), who was wanted out of Howard Superior Court 1 for Nonsupport of a Dependent Child, a Level 6 Felony. Deputies arrived on scene and made contact at a hotel room on the second floor.

Upon approaching the room, deputies detected a strong odor consistent with burnt ma*****na and suspected methamphetamine. The door to the room was partially open, and deputies observed drug paraphernalia in plain view. After announcing their presence, deputies heard multiple occupants moving inside the room and what they believed to be the sound of a firearm being manipulated. Multiple occupants were then ordered out of the room and detained without incident.

Due to the presence of suspected narcotics and concern for a firearm inside the room, deputies conducted a protective sweep of the room and secured the scene while applying for a search warrant. A search warrant was later approved by the Honorable Judge Dahl of the Howard County Superior Court II and executed.

During the search, deputies located multiple items of drug paraphernalia, including approximately 73 hypodermic needles, digital scales, and smoking devices. Deputies also recovered approximately $3,260 in U.S. currency and a 9mm handgun that had been concealed inside a toilet. A baggie containing approximately 10.9 grams of a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine was located near the bathroom area. Additional suspected narcotics were recovered, including multiple capsules believed to contain fentanyl and over 70 pills identified as gabapentin.

Investigators determined that Jacob Shiraef was a primary occupant of the room and was prohibited from possessing a firearm due to a prior conviction. Evidence also indicated the location was being used for the use and distribution of illegal narcotics.

A total of seven individuals were taken into custody and transported to the Howard County Criminal Justice Center.

Booking charges include:

Jacob Shiraef (31)

Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun with Prior Conviction – Level 5 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor
Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
Dealing Methamphetamine (Conspiracy) – Level 2 Felony

Johan Wyngaarde (41)

Dealing Methamphetamine (Conspiracy) – Level 2 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Kelseigh Whitaker (28)

Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Justin Pavese (41)

Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Niki Marine (36)

Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Mark Turner (57)

Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

Ruth Bronson (30)

Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Legend Drug – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe – Level 6 Felony
Visiting a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
Possession of a Controlled Substance (Schedule I) – Class A Misdemeanor
Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

During the booking process at the Howard County Jail, correctional staff discovered an additional concealed substance on one of the individuals that later tested positive for a narcotic.

The case remains active and under investigation by Deputy Austin Day #34-107. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact him directly at 765-614-3407, or by submitting a tip through the Sheriff’s Office mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

Address

1800 W. Markland Avenue
Kokomo, IN
46901

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 4pm
Tuesday	8am - 4pm
Wednesday	8am - 4pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm
Friday	8am - 4pm

Telephone

+17654571105

Website

http://www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov/

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