Vigo County Prosecutor's Office

03/25/2026

PHILIP ATTERSON RECEIVES 55 YEAR PRISON SENTENCE
FOR MURDER OF SARAH HENDERSON

Philip Atterson appeared in Court today and received a 55 year prison sentence for murdering Sarah Henderson.

On February 6, 2026, a Vigo County Jury found Philip Atterson guilty for the December 24, 2020 murder of Sarah Henderson. The body of Ms. Henderson was located by law enforcement on Christmas Day in a storage unit in southern Vigo County. An autopsy determined she was killed by multiple blows to the head with a hatchet. An arrest warrant was issued and Atterson was arrested three days later.

In asking for a 62 year sentence, Deputy Prosecutor and lead Trial Counsel Jason Saunders, argued that the violent nature of the attack and the lack of remorse of Atterson called for an aggravated sentence. The defense requested a minimum 45 year sentence. In announcing the sentence, Vigo Superior Court 6 Judge Daniel Kelly informed the defendant that he would be serving an executed sentence of 55 years in an Indiana prison.

“This is one of the most violent crime scenes I have been to in my 20 years as prosecutor.” Said Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. “And we are thankful to the family for trusting us to bring justice for Sarah. I hope this lengthy prison sentence brings some closure to Sarah’s family and friends, especially her children.”

Prosecutor Modesitt would also like to express his appreciation for the medical and law enforcement first responders that were involved in the scene and investigation. Special recognition goes out to Detective Mary Parmer of the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, who was lead on the investigation that resulted in this arrest and conviction.

02/14/2026

VIGO COUNTY PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE RESPONDS TO VIDEO

We have been tagged in and provided a video posted by Illinois Predator Poachers. While we respect the goals of this and similar groups, there are multiple legal and non-legal obligations that prevent us from working with these non-law enforcement groups, often described as vigilante groups. As with many aspects of the law and prosecution, this is not as simple as “just arrest them” or “do better” as we will discuss below.

As many Vigo County citizens are likely aware, there was a time prior to 2024, where the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO) and the West Terre Haute Police Department (WTHPD) would, with the Prosecutor’s approval, work with these vigilante groups and assist in these arranged meetings, often resulting in arrests and prosecutions for Child Solicitation. A significant sting operation involving the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office (VCPO) and the VCSO netted 12 arrests in one weekend in 2023. However, during this time our area law enforcement agencies became aware of one or more groups that had engaged in these investigations locally and done so in a way that was not prosecutable and potentially illegal. And we began exploring the alternatives.

The Terre Haute Police Department (THPD) was not involved in those investigations because they were a part of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). ICAC provides training and resources so law enforcement officers can properly engage in these types of investigations. Because of these bad investigations by outside groups where no prosecution was available, Vigo County Prosecutor Terry Modesitt asked our local law enforcement agencies to devote resources to these Online Solicitation Investigations so that we would have an active local effort to locate, arrest and prosecute those people attempting to meet up and engage in illegal activities with minor children. Both agencies agreed and in 2024, the VCSO and the VCPO joined the THPD and became members of the Indiana ICAC task force.

Being a member of ICAC provides training opportunities and resources for Investigators and Prosecutors involved in these Solicitation cases. THPD and VCSO both assigned detectives to be trained and certified who now actively engage in these investigations. The assigned detectives work closely with the Special Victims Deputy Prosecutor.

As an aside, prior to Prosecutor Modesitt taking office in 2007, there was no deputy prosecutor assigned solely to handle these special victim cases. One of the first actions taken during his first year in office was to request County Council funding for two deputy prosecutors who would be trained in and handle specific types of cases. One handling all cases involving child victim crimes like these. And the other working directly with the Drug Task Force. Both focused positions exist today and are on call 24/7 to assist law enforcement.

As noted in the video, the author is frustrated that our local agencies are part of ICAC. To be a member and receive training, investigative and financial assistance, agencies must agree to certain standards. ICAC Operational and Investigative Standards Section 8.4 prohibits any ICAC agency from collaboration with Vigilantes. It reads “8.4 Members shall not collaborate with Vigilantes. Further Members shall not approve, condone, encourage, or promote Vigilante’s activities.” The document defines “Vigilante” as “a non-Partner activist or activist organization engaged in investigative tactics or other law enforcement-like activities.”

The Indiana Prosecuting Attorney’s Council (IPAC) has also provided guidance regarding these solicitation cases and working with outside groups. One point of guidance states “Items used by the vigilante in his or her investigation should be seized immediately, preserved, and searched. Such items likely will include phones and/or computers. A proper forensics search of such items and the trying/disposing of any case that may result from the matter may take up to months or years. ‘All items seized by any law enforcement agency as a result of an arrest, search warrant, or warrantless search, shall be securely held by the law enforcement agency under the order of the court trying the case...Following the final disposition of the cause at trial level or any other final disposition...property...shall be returned to its rightful owner,’ Indiana Criminal Code §35-33-5-5.” We have not had any of these Vigilante groups provide all of the computers, phones, video recording devices, etc… when contacting local law enforcement. Without the willingness of these groups to do turn over all of these aspects of the investigation, not just an envelope of screenshots and a livestreamed video, we are unable to meet this required legal standard.

IPAC has given further guidance regarding the methods used by these groups and how such methods could violate Prosecutor responsibilities in how we handle our cases. You have heard it said by us many times, we cannot talk about pending cases because it could impact the Defendant’s right to a fair trial. The same concerns arise because of the live streamed videos that accompany these vigilante investigations. “The Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council does not support public shaming of criminal suspects/defendants nor trying cases in the media rather than the courtroom. In fact, prosecutors have an ethical duty to ‘refrain from making extrajudicial comments that have a substantial likelihood of heightening public condemnation of the accused,’ Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct, Rule 3.8(f).” Our agreeing to work with groups that we know will engage in these live streamed confrontations would be condoning something that we understand can violate our ethical responsibilities.

Neither law enforcement nor most community members want these perpetrators to avoid being held accountable. But, as in all prosecutions, we must dot every “i” and cross every “t” because the burden is ultimately on law enforcement to make sure that we are not violating someone’s rights and are developing cases where the admissible evidence can prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. We thank our local law enforcement agencies for meeting this challenge that we put before them to devote extra resources to the investigation of these Child Solicitation cases. And we will continue to prosecute the cases they bring to us.

For more information about ICAC, please visit: www.in.gov/isp/icactf/

02/04/2026

2022 Murder of Quincy Rogers-Porter results in 55 year sentence for Kole Hughes

Family members of Quincy Rogers-Porter expressed hurt, anger and forgiveness during the sentencing hearing for Kole Hughes today. The defendant pleaded guilty to Murder for shooting and killing Rogers-Porter at Davis Park Elementary School in the evening hours of July 31, 2022. Per the terms of the plea agreement, Hughes was sentenced to a 55 year sentence at the Indiana Department of Correction – a 45 year prison sentence followed by 10 years of probation.

“This case is another example of unnecessary gun violence and why we aggressively prosecute gun crimes.” said Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. “Quincy was 22 years old when his life was taken. And the Defendant will be incarcerated from the age of 20 years until well into his fifties. Two families forever impacted.”

Prosecutor Modesitt would like to recognize lead Detective Julia Piety, who is in her 30th year with the Terre Haute Police Department, and retired Detective Brad Rumsey for their work in identifying and apprehending Hughes promptly after the shooting. Special thanks also goes out to Vigo County School Corporation Security Director Kurt Brinegar for his assistance in the investigation.

09/27/2025

Congratulations to Det. Anthony Damanis, Terre Haute Police Department 2024 Officer of the Year.

09/18/2025

Three new student investigators were sworn in today as we continue our partnership with Indiana State University and our High Tech Crime Unit. We look forward to another year of amazing results in providing law enforcement in Vigo and the surrounding counties with digital evidence to assist investigations and prosecutions.

Welcome to the team.

09/11/2025

Jesse Hess Received 55 Year Sentence for Murder of Dwayne French

Jesse Hess, the fourth person convicted for the death of Dwayne French, received his sentence from Judge Daniel Kelly today. Hess was sentenced to fifty-five years, with a fifty year prison sentence followed by five years of probation. “A senseless act fueled by drugs cost Dwayne French his life. That is the tragedy here.” Said Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. “We grieve for his family and friends and thank them for their support, patience and trust in our office throughout this process.”

Dwayne French was attacked and robbed on August 21, 2020 and passed away from the injuries eleven days later. After a lengthy investigation led by Terre Haute Police Detective Kenny Murphy, Hess and three others were charged for the crime in August, 2022. Hess was convicted of Murder after a four day jury trial on July 17, 2025.

Chief Deputy Prosecutor Robert Roberts and Deputy Prosecutor Brittany Roberts prosecuted the jury trial in this case. At the sentencing, Chief Deputy Roberts asked that the defendant receive a sixty year sentence due to his role in the murder. “Hess was the person that selected the target, planned the details, provided the weapons used, and received the majority of the proceeds of the robbery.” Roberts argued in support of the suggested sentence. Defense Attorney Justin Boren requested the defendant receive the minimum sentence for the murder.

05/30/2025

Jury Trial Results in Conviction for Child Molesting and 40-year Prison Sentence

Skyler Reynolds was found guilty by a jury on May 7, 2025 for Child Molesting, a Level 1 felony for sexual conduct with a six-year-old female in 2023. At sentencing today, the State requested Reynolds receive a 40 year prison sentence. Shortly thereafter, Vigo Superior Court Division 3 Judge Sarah Mullican announced her agreement and handed down the 40 year sentence.

Prosecutor Terry Modesitt expressed praise for the victim and witness that made the conviction possible. “I applaud the courage shown by the victim and witness, both under the age of ten when this happened, to report the crime, go through multiple interviews, and then testify at trial.”

Modesitt further discussed the challenges presented by this case. “Juries expect to see DNA and other scientific evidence. Cases without that forensic evidence, like this, are some of the most difficult cases to prove. But we will continue seeking to hold these offenders accountable and impose lengthy prison sentences when convicted.”

The Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office would like to acknowledge the team of people whose work brought about this successful prosecution. S*x Crimes Deputy Prosecutor Kevin O’Reilly, Trial Deputy Prosecutor Dan McGlone, and Vigo County Sheriff Detective George McAdams prosecuted the case at trial. The investigation was supported by the Vigo County School Corporation, the Vigo County Department of Child Services, and Susie’s Place Child Advocacy Center in Terre Haute.

05/01/2025

Killer of Chloe Carroll sentenced to 45 years in prison

Prosecutor Terry Modesitt announced today’s sentencing of Montez Ellington, Jr. to a 45-year prison sentence for the shooting death of Chloe Carroll. “I would like to thank the Carroll family for their patience and trust in my office during the most tragic time I can imagine a family having to experience.” said Prosecutor Modesitt. “For almost four years, our community has seen the signs calling for ‘Justice for Chloe Carroll.’ After extensive consultation with the family during this time, I am thankful they placed their faith in us and our local law enforcement as we worked to bring justice for her murder and closure to this case.”

On July 23, 2021, the family of Chloe Carroll suffered a tragedy no family should experience, the murder of their fifteen-year-old daughter/sister/cousin/aunt. On that night, the local law enforcement community united to protect our community while searching for the shooter. Later that same day, members of the Terre Haute Police Department located and arrested Montez Ellington, Jr. for the murder of Chloe Carroll.

Because Ellington, Jr. was fifteen-years-old at the time he committed the murder, the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office sought waiver to adult court for prosecution of the case. After waiting months to allow the defense to prepare for the waiver hearing, evidence from both sides was heard on March 24-25, 2022. Then Juvenile Magistrate Dan Kelly (now Judge of Vigo Superior Court Division 6) granted the State’s request for waiver. Ellington, Jr. then appealed that waiver. On October 18, 2023, the Indiana Court of Appeals certified an opinion affirming Judge Kelly’s granting of waiver. The adult prosecution of Ellington, Jr. was allowed to proceed.

After multiple continuances by the defense and after some discussion of resolving the case, attorneys for Ellington, Jr. notified the State that he would be willing to plead guilty to the murder charge if the State would offer a 45 year executed prison sentence. After consultation with the family of Chloe Carroll, a formal offer was made by the State and accepted by the defendant. On March 27, 2025, Montez Ellington, Jr. entered a plea of guilty to the murder of Chloe Carroll. On May 1, 2025, Vigo Superior Court Division 1 Judge Charles Johnson sentenced Ellington, Jr. to a 45 year sentence to be served in the Indiana Department of Correction.

Retired Terre Haute Police Detective Brad Rumsey was the lead investigator on the case. Prosecutor Terry Modesitt and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Robert Roberts were lead for the prosecution. Prosecutor Modesitt extends his deep thanks to all of our officers, deputies, and detectives that worked tirelessly to bring justice for the Carroll family.

“We approached this case from the beginning preparing to present it to a jury. But a plea agreement was discussed to bring closure of this chapter for the family.” explained Modesitt. “A jury trial followed by the potential for multiple appeals could drag the process out for additional years. Instead, the Carroll family will no longer have to worry about this defendant and can focus on the healing and love within their family. The Carroll family will remain in our prayers.”

04/01/2025

Why Prosecutors Matter and Why Public Safety Funding Must Be a Priority

Every day across Indiana, prosecutors are doing more than just trying cases in court – we’re working behind the scenes to keep people safe, stand up for victims, and help make sure the justice system works the way it should.

But the reality is -- that work is getting harder.

Each year, nearly 340,000 criminal charges are filed across Indiana. That’s not just a staggering number – it’s a massive load for prosecutors who are already stretched thin. Every single one of those charges represents a case that needs time, attention, and people to handle it. And right now, there just aren’t enough hands on deck.

Across the state, there are 91 elected prosecuting attorneys and chief deputies and approximately 640 deputy prosecutors tasked with handling this enormous caseload. These teams work day in and day out to keep our communities safe.

What many people don’t realize is that prosecutors wear a lot of hats. We’re not just courtroom attorneys – we’re the chief law enforcement officers in each county, working closely with police, courts, victims’ advocates, and community partners. We review cases, make difficult charging decisions, and try to strike the right balance between accountability and rehabilitation.

And while the legal work is intense, it’s the human side that weighs the heaviest. Prosecutors are often the first people to sit down with a grieving family, the first to hear a survivor’s story, the ones helping victims navigate the judicial system.

Adding to that caseload is a nationwide shortage of attorneys – a challenge that’s hitting prosecutor offices especially hard. Many deputy prosecutors are paid far less than they could earn in other legal roles, making it difficult to recruit and retain the people we need in these critical roles. We’re competing for a shrinking pool of lawyers, and without competitive pay and adequate resources, it’s getting harder to staff these roles and keep experienced prosecutors in them.

At the end of the day, it is about more than case numbers and court calendars. It’s about our communities. It’s about protecting people, helping victims, and making sure those who break the law are held accountable.

Justice doesn’t happen on its own. It takes people who care deeply and are willing to work long hours and carry the weight of the hardest moments in our communities. But they need support. So when we talk about public safety, we should make sure prosecutors are a part of the conversation. Because if we don’t invest in justice, our communities will feel the consequences.

This post addresses all Prosecutor Offices throughout Indiana. As the prosecutor for Vigo County, I’m proud of the work our team does every day. And I would be happy to discuss specifics related to Vigo County. All we’re asking for is the investment we need to keep doing that work – for our victims, for our communities, and for the safety of everyone we serve.

The video tells the story of Kira Curtis, whose mother, Marina Redding, was tragically murdered in 2021. Kira Curtis shares her experience of receiving unwav...