Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter

08/17/2026

IV-D Child Support Q&A

August is Child Support Awareness Month, providing an opportunity to highlight the important role child support plays in supporting local families.

In Jefferson County, our IV-D Child Support Program works to establish and enforce child support orders and collect support payments. In 2025, our IV-D division collected more than $2 million in child support, helping provide children in Jefferson County with the financial support they need.

To help provide a better understanding of the services available through our office, we’ve answered some of our most frequently asked questions about IV-D child support, enrollment, enforcement, NIV-D cases, and more.

We hope this information provides clarity about the IV-D process and the resources available to families in our community.

08/04/2026

BACK-TO-SCHOOL SAFETY REMINDERS

As another school year begins, let’s all do our part to help keep our students safe. Here are a few important back-to-school safety reminders!

🚌 Stop for School Buses: Always stop when a school bus has its stop arm extended and red lights flashing. Children may be crossing the road and can be difficult to see.

⚠️ Slow Down in School Zones: Reduced speed limits are in place to protect students arriving at and leaving school. Stay alert and obey all posted signage.

👀 Watch for Pedestrians: Children may cross unexpectedly or step into the street without looking. Be especially cautious near crosswalks, sidewalks, and neighborhoods.

📵 Drive Distraction Free: Put your phone away and keep your attention on the road. A moment of distraction can have lifelong consequences.

📸 Think Before You Post: First-day-of-school photos are a fun tradition, but be mindful of what you share. Consider being cautious sharing details like your child’s full name, school, age, teacher, bus number, or other personal information. It is best to keep personal information to minimum, no matter your privacy setting.

❤️ Help Every Student Get Home Safely
Together with a little extra awareness we can help keep children safe in our community.

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office wishes all students, families, teachers, and school staff a safe and successful school year!

07/04/2026

Celebrate Safely This Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

As you gather with family and friends to celebrate Independence Day, make safety part of your plans.

Here are a few reminders to help keep everyone in our community safe this holiday:

- Drink water throughout the day and protect yourself from the summer heat.

- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Plan ahead and secure a sober ride home.

- Keep an eye on children and pets, as loud noises and busy gatherings can be overwhelming.

- Use caution when using fireworks. Children should be supervised by adults when handling any fireworks.

A few simple precautions can help ensure your holiday is remembered for all the right reasons.

From all of us at the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, we wish you a safe, happy, and enjoyable Fourth of July!

07/03/2026

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day.

Our office will resume normal business hours on Monday, July 6th 2026.

06/23/2026

LEVEL TWO FELONY DEALING IN METHAMPHETAMINE CONVICTION RESULTS IN 20 YEAR SENTENCE

JEFFERSON COUNTY, IN – James Hammond, 55, of Canaan, IN was sentenced in Jefferson County Circuit Court by Judge D.J Mote, on June 17, 2026, after being convicted of the lead charge, Dealing in Methamphetamine, a level two (2) felony. Hammond was sentenced to 20 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, with 2 ½ years suspended.

The conviction stems from an investigation initiated on August 16, 2025, when Jefferson County Sheriff’s Deputy James Richards responded to a report of a suspicious person. An individual was found to be in a vehicle, experiencing uncontrollable and erratic behavior.

During the investigation, deputies conducted a search of the vehicle and located approximately 1.13 grams of methamphetamine, 15.88 grams of ma*****na, and a syringe. Through subsequent investigative measures, law enforcement determined that the methamphetamine had been purchased recently from James Marcus Hammond.

Based on the evidence gathered, officers obtained and executed a search warrant at the residence on August 16, 2025. During the search, law enforcement recovered approximately 17 grams of methamphetamine, used syringes, drug paraphernalia, digital scales, and empty plastic baggies commonly used for packaging narcotics. Hammond was arrested following the ex*****on of the search warrant.

Hammond was sentenced on June 17, 2026, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, to 20 years at the Indiana Department of Corrections, with 2 ½ of those years suspended to probation. Hammond was convicted of Dealing in Methamphetamine, a level 2 felony, making this his third dealing conviction. Hammond has two previous dealing convictions out of Elkhart County, Indiana in 2009 which he served time at the Indiana Department of Correction for until his release in 2023.

"This investigation began when deputies received a call regarding an individual suffering the apparent effects of drug use and followed the evidence to a repeat offender dealing methamphetamine in our community. Those who choose to profit from addiction and substance abuse should expect to be held accountable for the harm they cause” said Prosecutor David Sutter.

We commend the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Deputy James Richards, Deputy Trent Smith, Deputy Curtis Shelpman, Deputy Shawn Garner, Deputy Logan Gray, and the Indiana State Laboratory for their thorough investigation and commitment to protecting the citizens of Jefferson County.

06/21/2026

Today, we recognize and celebrate the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures whose dedication and example help shape strong families and a stronger community.

From the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office to your family, Happy Father’s Day!

06/19/2026

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office joins our community in recognizing Juneteenth and reflecting on the enduring significance of freedom, equality, and justice.

Our office will be closed in observance of Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, 2026 and will resume normal business hours on Monday, June 22, 2026.

06/18/2026

06/16/2026

TEXT-TO-911 LEADS TO LEVEL ONE CHILD MOLESTING FELONY CONVICTION AND 30 YEAR SENTENCE FOR DAVID OSBORNE

June 16th, 2026 – David Osborne, 52 of Madison, IN was sentenced on June 15th 2026, in Jefferson County Circuit Court by Judge D.J Mote to thirty (30) years executed at the Indiana Department of Corrections, with five (5) of those years suspended to supervised probation. Osborne was convicted of the lead charge, Child Molesting, as a level one (1) felony.

The investigation began on April 23rd, 2026, when the Jefferson County Central Dispatch received a text to 911 from a juvenile victim alleging ongoing s*xual abuse by an adult in their residence. Jefferson County deputies responded to the residence and spoke with the child who reported that David Osborne had been s*xually assaulting her for years and had touched her inappropriately that evening.

"This case highlights the life-changing impact that a simple text to 911 can have for someone in crisis. We are thankful that this technology was available when it was needed most, and we hope others know that help is available even when making a phone call may not feel safe or possible” said Prosecutor David Sutter.

The minor victim was transported to the Children's Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana, where an emergency forensic interview was conducted in the late-night hours. During the interview, the victim disclosed repeated acts of s*xual abuse that occurred over a period of years, including s*xual touching and other acts of molestation.

Detective Sergeant Yancy Denning of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. During an interview with law enforcement, Osborne admitted to touching the minor’s private areas on at least two different occasions.

Based upon the victim’s disclosure, witness statements, and evidence gathered during the investigation, Osborne was arrested and charged with Child Molesting. He later entered a guilty plea to Child Molesting, a level one (1) felony, on May 13th, 2026.

On June 15, 2026, Judge Mote sentenced Osborne to thirty (30) years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction, with five (5) of those years suspended to supervised probation. Osborne was determined to be a s*xually violent predator and will be required to register as a violent s*x offender for life.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Mote addressed the defendant and acknowledged the significant damage and hurt that Osborne has caused the victim and their family.

“We are grateful to the many agencies who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation. Their swift response and dedicated collaboration during the late-night have led to this successful conviction and sentence” said Prosecutor Sutter.

Thank you to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Sergeant Yancy Denning, Jefferson County 911/Central Dispatch, Children's Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana, and the Indiana Department of Child Services for their efforts in the pursuit for safety and justice for the child victim.

05/29/2026

Last week, Prosecutor David Sutter presented at a seminar for law enforcement focused on important statutory updates and recent case law developments. Local law enforcement agencies attended the training as part of our continued commitment to collaboration, education, and staying informed on changes in the law.

We appreciate the dedication of our law enforcement officers and agencies who continually invest their time in professional development to better serve and protect our communities.