Howard County Sheriff's Office

10/15/2026

Please join me in congratulating Blake Mendenhall on being named Employee of the Quarter .

Blake consistently goes above and beyond to make a positive impact on our Communications Center. From finding ways to boost morale and improve our systems to contributing fresh ideas and enhancing training, Blake continually demonstrates his dedication to making our center the best it can be.

His willingness to think outside the box, take initiative, and lend a helping hand wherever needed truly sets him apart. Blake approaches every challenge with a positive attitude and leads by example through his hard work, teamwork, and commitment to excellence.

We are grateful to have Blake as part of our center and appreciate everything he does to make it better!

Congratulations, Blake!

10/14/2026

HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. – A single-vehicle crash on County Road 1350 East, north of County Road 500 North, claimed the life of 20-year-old Hope Justice Jones of Kokomo during the early morning hours of October 11, 2026.

At approximately 12:29 a.m., deputies with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a crash involving personal injury. Upon arrival, deputies located a black Honda Civic in a field adjacent to the roadway. Jones, a passenger in the vehicle, had been ejected. Emergency medical personnel provided aid, and a medical helicopter was requested. Jones was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver, identified as Morgan Killebrew, 21, told deputies he was traveling south on County Road 1350 East when an animal entered the roadway. He reported losing control after the vehicle’s passenger-side tires left the pavement.

Preliminary reconstruction findings indicate the Honda left the west side of the roadway, traveled through a grassy ditch, and began sliding before striking a utility pole on the vehicle’s right rear passenger side. The vehicle then rotated, striking a telephone utility box and the ground before coming to rest in the field. Jones, who was reportedly seated in the rear seat, was ejected during the crash.

Killebrew cooperated with deputies and consented to chemical testing. A preliminary breath test registered 0.00. He was transported to St. Vincent Hospital, where a blood sample was collected for testing.

Sergeant Christopher Cramer #34-74 responded to conduct the crash reconstruction. The investigation included documenting roadway evidence, photographing the scene, and using an unmanned aircraft to collect aerial photographs for scene mapping.

The Howard County Coroner’s Office positively identified Jones, and her family has been notified. According to the coroner’s office, the cause and manner of death remain pending investigation.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office was assisted on scene by members of the Greentown Fire Department, Converse Fire Department, Community Howard Medics, and Lutheran Air Helicopter Medics.

The case remains active and under investigation by Deputy Nicholas Begley #34-110 and the Howard County Coroner’s Office. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Begley directly at 765-614-3410, or by submitting a tip through the Howard County Sheriff’s Office mobile app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov.

10/09/2026

🚨 Now Hiring: Corrections Officers – Join Our Team at the Howard County Sheriff's Office! 🚨

Are you ready for a rewarding career that goes beyond the ordinary? Step into a role where service over self is our commitment, and making a real impact in the community is part of the job. With a new starting annual pay of $52,823 beginning in 2027, now is the perfect time to start a meaningful journey in criminal justice!

What We Offer:
Free Health Clinic for Employees and Family
Longevity Pay
Shift Differential
Specialty Pay (SERT, FTO)
$2,500 Lateral Bonus for Transfers
Clothing Allowance
Competitive Rank Pay

Benefits Include:
Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Employee Retirement Fund (PERF)
Vacation, Personal Days, Holiday Pay, and Compensatory Time

Join Us and Make a Difference! Your dedication will be met with valuable benefits, support, and the chance to serve the Howard County community in a vital way. Start your path in law enforcement today!

🔗 Apply now or contact us for more information!
Fill out a pre-application using our app here: https://apps.myocv.com/share/a75146901

Capt. Buckley

10/09/2026

In April 2026, a detective with the Howard County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force began an investigation after receiving a CyberTip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding the suspected possession of child s*xual abuse material (CSAM).

The CyberTip was generated by Google and included images that were flagged and confirmed to be child s*xual abuse material. Through the course of the investigation, 22-year-old Jarren Schmitt of Kokomo was identified as the suspected user associated with the account.

On September 3, 2026, a search warrant was executed at a residence in the 300 block of Walker Avenue in Kokomo. Several electronic devices were seized from the residence and were subsequently found to contain child s*xual abuse material.

As a result of the investigation, Schmitt was taken into custody and faces charges of Child Molesting, a Level 1 felony; Child Exploitation, a Level 3 felony; and Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material, a Level 3 felony.

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office was assisted with the investigation by detectives from the Kokomo Police Department and the Indiana State Police.

This investigation was conducted by Detective Kysha Quirk, an affiliated member of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force.

The Indiana ICAC Task Force encourages Hoosiers to report online exploitation, solicitation, and enticement-type crimes against children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The NCMEC website can be accessed through the Indiana ICAC Task Force website. To report a crime involving a child victim and the Internet or other electronic means, please contact your local Indiana law enforcement agency. To learn more about the efforts of the Indiana ICAC Task Force, visit internetcrimesagainstkids.com.

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

10/08/2026

Search Warrant Results in the Seizure of Approximately 15 Pounds of Suspected Methamphetamine

HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. – A narcotics investigation resulted in the arrest of Reginald Prather, 40, and the seizure of approximately 15 pounds of suspected methamphetamine following the ex*****on of a court-authorized search warrant in Kokomo.

On September 18, 2026, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office Task Force Unit and Patrol Division, assisted by the Peru Drug Task Force, executed the warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of North McCann Street. The search included the residence and a detached garage.

During the search, investigators seized approximately 15 pounds of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine; approximately 10.2 pounds of suspected ma*****na; $6,900 in United States currency; and a 9mm handgun that had been reported stolen. Investigators also seized four cellular telephones, a scale, drug-packaging materials, a black 2018 Jaguar, and a 1985 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z28.

Prather was taken to the Howard County Jail on the following charges:

Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony
Unlawful Possession of a Fi***rm by a Serious Violent Felon, a Level 4 felony
Possession of Stolen Property, a Level 5 felony
Dealing in Ma*****na, a Level 5 felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance, a Level 6 felony

The case remains active and under investigation by Detective James Myers #34-93. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact him directly at 765-614-3493, or by submitting a tip through the Howard County 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.

10/02/2026

09/30/2026

Get your costumes ready! The Howard County Sheriff’s Office invites you to our 4th Annual Trunk-or-Treat!

📅 October 26, 2026
🕔 5:00–7:00 p.m.
📍 1800 W. Markland Ave.

Bring the whole family for an evening of candy, music, and Halloween fun! Departments from across the county will join us with creatively decorated vehicles and plenty of treats for your little ghosts and goblins.

We look forward to seeing everyone and enjoying a fun evening with our community!

Captain Buckley

09/28/2026

HOWARD COUNTY, Ind. – Michael C. Beeman, 50, was apprehended Monday afternoon after escaping from an inmate road crew and prompting a search involving the Howard County Sheriff's Office, Kokomo Police Department, and Indiana State Police.

Beeman was assigned to a trustee position on the inmate road crew. Road crew members perform work throughout the community and were mowing at the Howard County Public Library South location when Beeman escaped. The road crew supervisor reported the escape at approximately 1:45 p.m.

At approximately 3:16 p.m., Deputy Cardenas and Deputy Browning located and apprehended Beeman near the 4500 block of South 50 East, approximately 1.6 miles from the library in a straight line.

Beeman had been held on three counts of Level 6 felony theft. Following his apprehension, he was returned to the Howard County Jail and booked on the following additional charges:

IC 35-44.1-3-4: Escape, Level 5 Felony
IC 35-44.1-3-1: Resisting Law Enforcement, Class A Misdemeanor

The case remains active and under investigation by Detective Myers #34-93. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact him directly at 765-614-3493, or by submitting a tip through the Howard County 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.

09/25/2026

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office congratulates Deputy Jason Neal on being named a 2026 Traffic Safety All-Star by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI).

Deputy Neal is committed to making our roads safer through proactive traffic enforcement. His work includes identifying impaired drivers and taking action before their decisions lead to a serious crash. That dedication helps protect everyone who travels through Howard County.

Deputy Neal is pictured alongside Tony Kanaan, 2013 Indianapolis 500 Champion, and Doug Huntsinger, Executive Director of ICJI.

Congratulations, Deputy Neal, on this well-deserved recognition!

Captain Buckley

09/23/2026

Sgt. Justin Markley and Detective Will Cline spent the day at BorgWarner as part of the company’s annual Safety Day, talking with employees about driving and road safety.

In 15-minute sessions throughout the day, they spoke with approximately 200 people about distracted, aggressive, and impaired driving, along with everyday choices that help keep everyone safe on the road.

Thank you to BorgWarner for inviting us to be part of the day!

Captain Buckley