On November 13, 2021, at 12:13 a.m. Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Naas conducted a traffic stop on Main Street near Locust in Fort Branch after observing a Black 2001 Mercedes passenger car with an equipment violation. Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Naas identified the driver as 18-year-old Bracey Turnpaugh of Fort Branch. During a roadside investigation Deputy Naas ran Mr. Turnpaugh through the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and discovered that he had never been issued a valid Indiana operators license. At that point Deputy Naas placed Mr. Turnpaugh into custody. While taking Mr. Turnpaugh into custody Marijuana was found on his person. Once the investigation was concluded Deputy Naas transported Mr. Turnpaugh to the Gibson County Jail where he was charged with Operator Never Licensed and Possession of Marijuana. He has since posted a $550 bond.
Assisting Deputy Naas in his investigation was Fort Branch Officer Jeff Beck and Haubstadt Officer Josh Hoover.
All Criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
