Spencer County Prosecutor's Office

03/24/2026

UPDATE:

~Rockport Woman Sentenced to 14 Years for Possession of M**hamphetamine~

(Rockport, IN) — On February 19, 2026, in the Spencer County Circuit Court, Deanna Dant of Rockport was sentenced for Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony, by the Court to a term of fourteen (14) years after hearing argument from the Parties. The sentence announced by the Honorable Judge Jon A. Dartt was segmented into four (4) years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction, followed by four (4) years executed on Community Corrections Work Release, followed by one (1) year executed on Community Corrections Electronic Home Detention, followed by five (5) years supervised on Probation.

Dant entered a Plea Agreement with the State on January 14, 2026 for a fixed term of fourteen (14) years with the Court to determine the placement of the sentence at hearing.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Eric Tempel stated, “Cooperation in addressing the issue of M**hamphetamine in our community from the field to the courtroom between the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office and the Prosecutor’s Office has led to much success. Advanced interdiction efforts combined with strong pursuit in the courtroom has been a winning strategy to secure convictions of this nature.” Prosecutor Megan Bennet added, “Our office will continue to pursue strict accountability of individuals possessing large amounts of M**hamphetamine in the local community.”

~Rockport Woman Agrees to 14 Year Sentence for Possession of M**hamphetamine~

(Rockport, IN) — January 15, 2026 — This afternoon in Spencer County Circuit Court, 44 year old Deanna Dant of Rockport is scheduled to be sentenced for the offense of Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony. The matter originated in May of last year during a traffic stop initiated by Spencer County Sheriff Deputy Benjamin Nanney on County Road 850 West near Eureka. Deputies Rylan Sampson and Blake Regal responded to the scene to assist due to suspicious circumstances arising during the stop Deputies deployed trained K-9 partner Fika during the investigation and within moments Fika indicated the presence of the odor of narcotics emitting from the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle a loaded syringe that field tested positive for M**hamphetamine was located in Dant’s purse. Dant was placed under arrest and transported to the Spencer County Law Enforcement Center for processing into the facility. During the intake screening process, the facilities’ newly installed state-of-the-art body scanner equipment revealed objects concealed in Dant’s undergarments. Ultimately, two packages of M**hamphetamine collectively weighing over thirty (30) grams were located on Dant’s person.

In November 2025, Dant pled guilty to Possession of M**hamphetamine pursuant to an agreement with the State. The Agreement set a fixed duration for Dant to be sentenced of fourteen (14) years with the Honorable Judge Jon Dartt to determine placement of that term after considering arguments from the Parties. Under Indiana law, a Level 3 Felony carries a possible penalty range of three (3) to sixteen (16) years, with an advisory sentence of nine (9) years per statute.

03/19/2026

~Perry County Woman Agrees to 8 Year Sentence for Dealing in M**hamphetamine~

(Rockport, IN) — On March 12, 2026, in the Spencer County Circuit Court, 37 year old Avery Northerner of Perry County, IN pled guilty to Dealing in M**hamphetamine, a Level 4 Felony.

The matter originated in October of last year during a traffic stop initiated by Indiana State Police Trooper Connor Giesler. Northerner, a passenger in the vehicle, was verified to have an active felony warrant for Fraud from Perry County. Due to suspicious circumstances the Troopers deployed a trained K-9 partner during the investigation resulting in indication of the presence of the odor of narcotics emitting from the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle, Troopers located two separate bags of M**hamphetamine as well as a digital scale in concealed compartments. After being confronted, Northerner admitted she possessed the items and that “she was getting rid of some [M**h] for someone.”

Northerner pled guilty pursuant to an agreement with the State for a fixed term of eight (8) years with the Spencer Circuit Court to determine placement after considering arguments from the Parties. Under Indiana law, a Level 4 Felony carries a possible penalty range of two (2) to twelve (12) years, with an advisory sentence of six (6) years per statute.

Northerner also faces pending charges in Dubois County involving two counts of Dealing in M**hamphetamine, as Level 3 Felonies, which recently arose from a multi-agency dragnet investigation termed “Operation Snow White” by authorities. All Defendants are innocent until proven guilty in the Court of Law.

03/17/2026

~M**h Dealer Enters Guilty Plea in Exchange for Over Ten Year Sentence~

(Rockport, IN) — On March 5, 2026, in the Spencer County Circuit Court, 56 year old Bradley N. Graf pled guilty as charged to Dealing in M**hamphetamine, a Level 2 Felony; Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony; Possession of a Firearm by a Domestic Batterer, a Class A Misdemeanor; Two Counts of Resisting a Law Enforcement Officer, as Class A Misdemeanors; and Possession of Paraphernalia, a Class C Misdemeanor.

The offenses stem from a dispatched report of Graf’s alleged involvement in a situation with a firearm at his residence in late 2023. The Spencer County Sheriff’s Office investigation developed probable cause for issuance of a Search Warrant of the property. During ex*****on of the Search Warrant, law enforcement located numerous fi****ms including a R***r 9mm handgun, digital scales, paraphernalia, and approximately 104 grams of M**hamphetamine inside the home. DNA analysis conducted by the Indiana State Police Laboratory determined Graf’s DNA profile was included as a contributor on the R***r pistol as well as the digital scales previously located with large amounts of M**hamphetamine.

During the pendency of the case, the Court placed Graf on Electronic Home Detention through Community Corrections as a condition of his bond. On October 7, 2025, Community Corrections personnel along with Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a compliance search at Graf’s residence. Deputies located M**hamphetamine and in the course of the encounter Graf became physically combative while forcibly resisting multiple Deputies.

Under the Plea Agreement with the State, Graf agreed to be sentenced to ten and a half (10.5) years with the Court to Determine Placement of the sentence after hearing argument from the parties. Sentencing in this matter is set before the Honorable Judge Jon Dartt on April 22, 2026.

03/12/2026

~Kentucky Man Sentenced to 4.75 years for Possession of M**hamphetamine With Intent to Deliver~

(Rockport, IN) — On March 5, 2026 in the Spencer County Circuit Court, 49 year old Charles E. Wilhite A.K.A. Charles E. Alston, was sentenced for Possession of M**hamphetamine with Intent to Deliver arising out of an investigation beginning in late 2020 led by the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation began when former Deputy Trevor Vaal initiated a routine traffic stop on the Lexus driven by Wilhite. Deputy Austin Hagan rapidly responded to assist due to a warrant being active for Wilhite out of the State of Kentucky for trafficking controlled substances. Thereafter, Deputies located a large amount of cash and approximately one gram of M**hamphetamine in the vehicle.

After his arrest, Wilhite was transferred to Kentucky where he faced federal indictment for another matter in which he was charged with Possession of M**hamphetamine with Intent to Deliver as well as Possession of Co***ne with Intent to Deliver. Wilhite had been in federal custody until recently when the State of Indiana lodged a detainer to secure his return to Spencer County to face these local charges.

In the interim, the State obtained a search warrant for Wilhite’s cellular device seized previously during the traffic stop. High Tech Crime Analysts successfully extracted his device, and subsequently the State located data revealing numerous instances of Wilhite engaging in narcotic activity just prior to his arrest in 2020.

Wilhite entered a Plea Agreement with the State resulting in a sentence of four and three-quarter (4.75) years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction. Possession with Intent to Deliver M**hamphetamine, a Level 5 Felony, carries a possible penalty of one (1) to six (6) years under Indiana Law.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Eric Tempel stated “The Spencer County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to prosecute Dealing in M**hamphetamine--at any level and at any amount with the upmost diligence. M**hamphetamine unequivocally destroys lives in our community, sources of distribution in this poisonous substance must continuously be met with justice.” Prosecutor Megan Bennet added, “The ongoing assistance and efforts of the Spencer County Sheriff’s Office from start to finish to obtain critical evidence in this matter are greatly commended.”

03/10/2026

~STATE SECURES EXECUTED SENTENCES AFTER DEFENDANTS VIOLATE COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS PROGRAM~

(Rockport, IN) – Last week the Spencer County Prosecutor’s Office secured extensive executed sentences for violations committed by two high level offenders while on community corrections programming.

In March 2015, Austin W. Helms was sentenced on convictions of Dealing in M**hamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony and Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A Misdemeanor. After serving years executed on his original sentence, Helms was granted a Modification of Sentence by the Spencer Circuit Court to engage in programming outside the Indiana Department of Correction. Helms was serving a remaining portion of his sentence on Community Corrections this year after a previous violation when he again violated his work release placement by engaging in hours of unaccounted time when he was supposed to be engaging in rehabilitative programming.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Eric Tempel represented the State in a contested hearing with presentation of evidence overcoming Helms’ challenge to the factual predicate of the violation. In addition, Tempel advanced numerous legal arguments to the Court to secure the State’s request for full revocation of Helm’s remaining sentence of more than nine (9) years to be executed at the Indiana Department of Correction.

In a separate matter, Noah J. Jones was previously sentenced in July 2020 on multiple felony convictions including Battery by Means of a Deadly Weapon, a Level 5 Felony; Criminal Recklessness with a Deadly Weapon, a Level 6 Felony; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, a Level 6 Felony; Obstruction of Justice, a Level 6 Felony; among other charges. After serving multiple years executed on his original sentence, Jones was serving a remaining portion of his sentence on Community Corrections last year when he was alleged to have violated his work release placement for engaging in hours of unaccounted time, misuse of medication, refusal of orders, among other violations.

Prosecutor Megan Bennet led negotiations in Jones’ matter and secured an agreement for him to serve a balance of over seven (7) years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction due to his habitual rule violations.

Prosecutor Bennet stated, “High level offenders provided with the ability by the Court to re-integrate into the community from the Department of Correction whom continuously disregard rehabilitative opportunities and violate their sentences will face revocation and pursuit of stringent sentencing from our office.” Chief Deputy Tempel added, “Repeated criminal conduct and violation of program structures by individuals serving sentences on serious matters demand escalation, here being return to the Department of Correction.”

02/26/2026

~Spencer County Jury Finds Local Youth Softball Coach Guilty of Child Seduction and Child Molestation~

(Rockport, IN) - On February 25, 2026, a Spencer County Jury found 73-year-old Roger Ford of Newburgh, guilty as charged of Child Seduction, a Level 3 Felony, and Child Molestation, a Level 4 Felony. The State's presentation of evidence led by Prosecutor Megan Bennet and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Eric Tempel over the course of three days resulted in the jury deliberating for less than two hours before returning a verdict.

Ford held a position of trust as a coach and private lesson instructor affiliated with a local traveling softball organization. On July 11, 2024, Ford engaged in sexual touching of a child under the age of 13 during private lessons conducted at a rural site outside of the Santa Claus area.

The investigation led by Indiana State Police Lieutenant Brock Werne and assisted by Detective Casey Boeckman began after receiving information that Ford had instructed a child to remove her footwear then proceeded to place edible chocolate upon her feet and consume it. When confronted about his acts, Ford advised law enforcement that they were intended for comic relief.

After seizing Ford's cellular device, Sergeant J.D. Price with the Indiana State Police searched the data pursuant to a Search Warrant. Authorities discovered an excess of content related to podophilia and pr***en imagery. Search histories located on his device revealed Ford seeking online media of a sexual nature correlating to his role as an instructor in relation to teenage girls.

Prosecutor Megan Bennet stated, "The immense bravery of this young child ended Ford's predatory behavior from continuing in his position of trust. Individuals who groom and commit sexual acts upon young children in our community will be met with the full force of law enforcement. The Jury's verdict we hope has brought some sense of justice to the victim as well as the citizens of Spencer County." Chief Deputy Prosecutor Eric Tempel added "Protecting innocent children is one of the highest duties and responsibilities we have in law enforcement. Deployment of all available capabilities and resources is essential to the prosecution of these crimes, the Indiana State Police exemplified those efforts in their exceptional investigation of this case."

Under Indiana Law, a Level 3 Felony has a sentencing range of three (3) to sixteen (16) years; a Level 4 Felony has a sentencing range of two (2) to twelve (12) years. Sentencing is currently scheduled to begin April 24, 2026.

01/20/2026

~Rockport Man Agrees to 7 Year Sentence for Resisting Law Enforcement and M**hamphetamine Offenses~

(Rockport, IN) — Last Thursday afternoon in the Spencer County Circuit Court, 50 year old Jody W. Rickard of Rockport pled guilty as charged to offenses of Operating a Vehicle with a Schedule I Controlled Substance or it’s Metabolite in the Blood, a Level 6 Felony, Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class A Misdemeanor, Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 5 Felony, and Habitual Offender Enhancement.

Rickard’s offenses originated in September 2024 during a traffic stop initiated by Spencer County Sheriff Deputy Benjamin Nanney on Old State Road 45 outside of Rockport. Deputy Nanney was on routine patrol when the white Ford F150 driven by Rickard crossed the centerline forcing Deputy Nanney to evasively maneuver onto the shoulder of the road to avoid collision. During the investigation Deputy Nanney employed a SoToxa roadside narcotics test which rendered a positive presumption for M**hamphetamine present in Rickard’s system. An Indiana State Department of Toxicology analysis later performed on Rickard’s blood sample from the incident confirmed elevated amounts of M**hamphetamine.

At the Initial Hearing for the operating offense, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Eric Tempel argued for additional increased bond conditions to be placed upon the Defendant including Electronic Home Detention, Day Reporting, and/or SoberLink Monitoring. The Court agreed to place Rickard on Day Reporting through Spencer County Community Corrections during the pendency of the case.

On November 26, 2024, Spencer County Sheriff’s Deputy Christopher Snyder, a special liaison officer assigned to Community Corrections, along with other Deputies conducted a compliance search of Rickard and his residence. In the course of the encounter, Rickard became physically combative and forcibly resisted Deputies which ultimately led to Deputies locating over seven (7) grams of M**hamphetamine on his person.

Pursuant to an Agreement with the State, the Honorable Judge Jon Dartt will determine the placement of a fixed term of seven (7) years after considering arguments from the Parties. During the plea admission with the State, Rickard admitted to previously being convicted of a litany of felonies spanning decades which establish his status as an Habitual Offender including: Possession of M**hamphetamine, 2021; Possession of a Precursor, 2016; Dealing in M**hamphetamine, 2009; Residential Entry, 2008; Maintaining a Common Nuisance, 2006; Manufacturing a Schedule II Controlled Substance, 2001; and Possession of a Controlled Substance, 2000. Sentencing is currently scheduled for April 28, 2026 at 9:00AM.

01/15/2026

~Rockport Woman Agrees to 14 Year Sentence for Possession of M**hamphetamine~

(Rockport, IN) — January 15, 2026 — This afternoon in Spencer County Circuit Court, 44 year old Deanna Dant of Rockport is scheduled to be sentenced for the offense of Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony. The matter originated in May of last year during a traffic stop initiated by Spencer County Sheriff Deputy Benjamin Nanney on County Road 850 West near Eureka. Deputies Rylan Sampson and Blake Regal responded to the scene to assist due to suspicious circumstances arising during the stop Deputies deployed trained K-9 partner Fika during the investigation and within moments Fika indicated the presence of the odor of narcotics emitting from the vehicle. Upon searching the vehicle a loaded syringe that field tested positive for M**hamphetamine was located in Dant’s purse. Dant was placed under arrest and transported to the Spencer County Law Enforcement Center for processing into the facility. During the intake screening process, the facilities’ newly installed state-of-the-art body scanner equipment revealed objects concealed in Dant’s undergarments. Ultimately, two packages of M**hamphetamine collectively weighing over thirty (30) grams were located on Dant’s person.

In November 2025, Dant pled guilty to Possession of M**hamphetamine pursuant to an agreement with the State. The Agreement set a fixed duration for Dant to be sentenced of fourteen (14) years with the Honorable Judge Jon Dartt to determine placement of that term after considering arguments from the Parties. Under Indiana law, a Level 3 Felony carries a possible penalty range of three (3) to sixteen (16) years, with an advisory sentence of nine (9) years per statute.

12/18/2025

~Prosecutor’s Office Secures Enhanced Sentences for Habitual Offenders Possessing M**hamphetamine~

(Rockport, IN) — In recent months, multiple Defendants convicted of Possession of M**hamphetamine and Habitual Offender Enhancement have been sentenced pursuant to plea agreements secured by the State. These agreements resulted in increased sentences executed at the Indiana Department of Correction. Possession of M**hamphetamine as a Level 6 Felony carries a possible sentencing range of six months to two and a half years. However, individuals convicted of that offense and deemed to be Habitual Offenders face an additional non-suspendable term of three to six years. To qualify for the elevated Habitual Offender status on a Level 6 Felony, a Defendant must have been previously convicted of three or more prior unrelated felonies.

On July 24, 2025, in the Spencer County Circuit Court, 49 year old Travis W. Waters of Boonville, IN was sentenced under an agreement with the State for offenses of Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony; Auto Theft, a Level 6 Felony; and Habitual Offender Enhancement to a four year term with three years to be served at the Indiana Department of Correction. Waters admitted to being previously convicted of at least four prior unrelated felonies including one prior conviction for Dealing in M**hamphetamine.

On September 4, 2025, in the Spencer County Circuit Court, 47 year old Joseph M. Fetter of Dale, IN was sentenced under an agreement with the State for offenses of Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony, and Habitual Offender Enhancement to a term of five and a half years with three years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction. Fetter admitted to being previously convicted of at least six prior unrelated felonies including one prior conviction for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug.

On September 25, 2025, in the Spencer County Circuit Court, 45 year old Joshua Hoofer of Rockport, IN was sentenced under an agreement with the State for offenses of Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony, and Habitual Offender Enhancement to a term of three and a half years with three years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction. Hoofer admitted to being previously convicted of at least three prior unrelated felonies including one prior conviction for Dealing in M**hamphetamine.

On October 9, 2025, in the Spencer County Circuit Court, 62 year old Robert Payton of Rockport, IN was sentenced under an agreement with the State for offenses of Possession of M**hamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony, and Habitual Offender Enhancement to a term of four years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction. Payton admitted to being previously convicted of at least four prior unrelated felonies including two separate prior convictions for Dealing in M**hamphetamine.

Prosecutor Megan Bennet stated, “Rehabilitation is a primary goal of the criminal justice system for individuals struggling with addiction in our community. However, after extensive rehabilitative efforts have been exhausted with Defendants who continually decide to possess illegal drugs rather than seek help there comes a time to seek enhanced penalties. The Prosecutor's Office has substantially increased Habitual Offender filings as a measure to address repeat offenders who continuously disregard the law.” Chief Deputy Prosecutor Eric Tempel added, “Elevating accountability when offenders remain persistent in engaging in illegal activity is a top priority under Prosecutor Bennet's leadership. Repetitive felonious conduct must be met with greater deterrence, this includes securing more stringent sentencing outcomes outlined under statutes such as the Habitual Offender Enhancement. These initiatives begin with the exceptional investigations of the Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police, these agencies are commended for laying the groundwork for the successful prosecution of these matters.”

10/31/2025

10/30/2025

~Domestic Battery Conviction Results in 3 Year Prison Sentence~

(Rockport, IN) - On October 2, 2025, in the Spencer Circuit Court, 24-year-old Tristan C. Moon of Chrisney was sentenced to three (3) years at the Indiana Department of Correction for his conviction of Domestic Battery, a Level 5 Felony.

The Spencer County Sheriff’s Office arrested Moon for felony Domestic Battery charges after the victim presented at a local hospital with multiple injuries she suffered at the hands of Moon. Through the investigation, it was determined that Moon had previously been convicted of misdemeanor Domestic Battery involving the same victim, which enhanced his offense to a Level 5 Felony.

Moon entered into a plea agreement with the State of Indiana in which he pled guilty to Domestic Battery, a Level 5 Felony in exchange for three (3) years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction. Under Indiana law, a Level 5 Felony carries a possible penalty range of one (1) to six (6) years, with an advisory sentence of three (3) years per statute.

Prosecutor Megan Bennet stated, “Recurring cycles of domestic violence can be difficult to escape for many victims who often feel trapped in their relationship with nowhere to go or who are worried no one will believe them. Repeat offenders like Moon must be held accountable for their violent acts, and as a community, we must educate ourselves on understanding domestic violence and how we can all best support victims and their families for a better future.”

The month of October offers a time to spotlight domestic violence in Indiana and across the country during Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Unfortunately, there are numerous reasons that may make it difficult for domestic violence survivors to leave an abusive relationship such as children, finances, housing, etc. These situations may seem difficult for the outside world to understand and collectively can leave survivors feeling hopeless and unsupported.

If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of ongoing domestic abuse, domestic violence and/or sexual assault, advocates recommend you approach that person about it respectfully. It’s important to listen without judgment and help guide them to community services. This may be accomplished by connecting them to a domestic violence advocate or service provider. Survivors seeking assistance or support can call the National Domestic Violence 24-hour Hotline at 800-799-7233. Crisis Connection is a local resource in Spencer, Perry, and Dubois Counties that can be reached by calling the 24-hour hotline at 800-245-4580.