Alert From Gibson County Sheriff's Office

Attention: Joshua M. Whitehead Age 33 of Patoka has failed to return to lawful detention.

On August 9, 2024, at 3:17 p.m. Joshua M. Whitehead cut off his GPS ankle monitor while released from the Gibson County Community Corrections Center to go to work. At 3:59 p.m. Community Corrections noticed that Mr. Whitehead's ankle monitor was not moving on the west side of Princeton's Brumfield Overpass. Sgt. Loren Barchett and his K9 partner Duke were assisted by multiple Officers and located the discarded ankle monitor. The Gibson County Sheriff's Office and Community Corrections Center is asking for the public to be on the look out for Mr. Whitehead, and call 911 if they locate him or have information about his whereabouts.

It is recommended that the public do NOT approach Mr. Whitehead

No Mt. Carmel City Pool In 2025

2024 looks to be the last for Mt. Carmel’s iconic swimming pool. At a special city council meeting today over the noon hour Mayor Joe Judge said inspectors with the Illinois Department of Public Health were in town this summer to look at the city pool and recertify it to be able to operate next year.Judge said the results from IDPH weren’t favorable…

Leaks have caused the pool to lose 35,000 gallons of water a day and that has resulted in the city putting almost 45 gallons of chlorine in the pool every day.

The city has proposed building a new aquatic facility but will need approval from voters in November to make it happen. The council today approved an ordinance that will place a referendum on the ballot asking city voters to give the city the authority to issue up to  $3,500,000 general obligation bonds to help pay for the $8 million pool. Judge said if Mt. Carmel is to have a city pool, it’s essential the referendum is approved….

Commissioner Susan Zimmerman’s family has been involved in some capacity with the pool for decades and she said while memories are great, it’s time to move on from the current city pool…

Commissioner Tyson Meador said offering recreational opportunities is important for the community…

Judge fired back at social media comments that label Mt. Carmel in a negative light…

Judge said the city will continue to pursue grants and naming rights campaign to help pay for the facility.

The pool is now open weekends and will close Tuesday, September 3rd as the Shelter Buddies host their annual dog swim.

 

Indiana State Police Reminds Drivers: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Jasper, IN - Drive sober or get pulled over. That’s the warning the Indiana State Police are issuing drivers as they gear up for the annual end-of-summer impaired driving enforcement campaign. Starting August 16 through September 2, the Indiana State Police will join with officers across the state to increase patrols and sobriety checkpoints to crack down on those driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

The extra high-visibility enforcement is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) through grants administered by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute (ICJI). 

“Driving drunk or drug-impaired is a problem for everyone,” said James Bryan, ICJI’s Traffic Safety Director. “Making the choice to operate a vehicle while impaired is never the right option.”  

Alcohol-impaired driving continues to contribute to many deaths in Indiana. In 2023, around 20% of all traffic fatalities in Indiana involved alcohol impairment. Drug-impaired driving is another major contributor to deadly crashes. In 2023, nearly a quarter of all traffic fatalities involved drug impairment. 

“We want our community members to understand that it’s our first priority to keep people safe, so we’re asking everyone to plan ahead if they know they’ll be out drinking,” said Lieutenant Jason Allen. “Help us protect the community and put an end to this senseless behavior.” 

Drivers should be safe during this Labor Day holiday by planning ahead if they intend to drink. Even if you only have one drink, designate a sober driver or use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely. Never drive impaired or let friends get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.

For more information on impaired driving, visit www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving

Traffic stop leads to arrest of Illinois woman on drug charges

On August 9, 2024, at 1:55 a.m. Gibson County Deputy Wyatt Hunt conducted a traffic stop in the area of State Road 165 near County Road 550 South after observing a Red Chevy passenger car run the stop sign at County Road 1000 West and State Road 165.  Upon approaching the vehicle Deputy Hunt detected the odor of Marijuana coming from inside the vehicle.  At that point he began a roadside drug investigation.  At the conclusion of his investigation Deputy Hunt placed the driver 39 year old Jessica Popplewell of Bluford, Illiniois into custody and transported her to the Gibson County Jail.  Upon arriving at the jail Ms. Popplewell was charged with Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Methamphetamines, Possession of a Schedule Drug, and Possession of Paraphernalia.
 
Assisting Deputy Hunt in his investigation was Deputy Michael Bates.
 
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Odon Man Rearrested During Lengthy Investigation

Jasper, Indiana – In April 2024, detectives with the Indiana State Police arrested, Matthew Cornelius, of Odon, for charges of stalking and drug possession. After the arrest, a no-contact order was issued through the court against Cornelius for the female victim and her children. After the arrest, the Indiana State Police were provided information that Cornelius violated the no-contact order on multiple occasions. Based on information gathered during the investigation, detectives requested an arrest warrant through the Knox County Superior Court. As a result, on August 7, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for Matthew Cornelius.

On August 8, 2024, The Indiana State Police served the arrest warrant at 115 Demotte Drive in Odon for the Invasion of Privacy warrant on Cornelius. During the arrest, probable cause was found for suspected illegal drug activity inside the residence. A search warrant was applied for and granted by the court. During a search of the residence, suspected illegal drugs were located. Matthew Cornelius was arrested from the residence and is currently housed in the Daviess County Jail.

 

Arrested and Charges

Matthew R. Cornelius, 45, Odon, IN

(Warrant) Invasion of Privacy – Class A Misdemeanor (12 Counts)                                                                                                                                                                            

Possession of a Controlled Substance – Class A Misdemeanor

All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

*****Prior Release of Odon Man Arrested for Drugs and Burglary*****

  

Jasper, Indiana – On April 13, 2024, Detectives from the Indiana State Police were contacted about alleged domestic crimes and drug possession that had occurred in Odon Indiana. Based on information gathered during the investigation, detectives requested a search warrant through the Perry County Circuit Court. As a result, on April 17, 2024, a search warrant was signed for the residence of 115 Demotte Drive in Odon Indiana.

On April 18, 2024 Detectives with the Indiana State Police served a search warrant at 115 Demotte Drive in Odon. Matthew Cornelius was arrested from the residence and is currently housed in the Daviess County Jail.

This case is still pending and currently, there is no threat to the public.

 

Arrested and Charges

Matthew R. Cornelius, 45, Odon, IN

Burglary – Level 6 Felony

Stalking – Level 6 Felony

Voyeurism – Level 6 Felony

Intimidation – Level 6 Felony (5 Counts)

Residential Entry – Level 6 Felony

Possession of Methamphetamine – Level 6 Felony

Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor

Possession of Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor

 

Investigating Agency - Indiana State Police

Assisting Agencies – Department of Child Services

Burglary Investigation Ends With Drug Charges For Mt. Carmel Man

On 8/07/24, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Jason M. Reavill, age 51, of Mt. Carmel for Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of a Hypodermic Needle following an investigation into a possible burglary at a trailer located at T.P. Trailer Park.  A concerned neighbor observed a subject with a flashlight inside of an unoccupied trailer.  Officers arrived to investigate and located Reavill inside.  Reavill claimed he had permission from the trailer owner; however, officers later learned that was not the case after speaking to the owner.  Reavill admitted to having methamphetamine and a needle on his person.  Officers also located a burnt spoon, cotton ball and a plastic container containing a white substance.  The property owner declined to pursue burglary charges against Reavill but he was arrested on the above charges before transport to the Wabash County Jail.  Upon arrival, he was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear.