Meeting scheduled to discuss personnel.
Wabash District #348 Personnel Matters
June 2025
Bleyer Updates Board On Summer Projects
At Monday’s Wabash District #348 school board meeting, Superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer updated the board on the progress of the summer building projects currently underway at the district’s three schools….
Washington Man Arrested for Child Molesting
Daviess County – Indiana State Police and Washington Police Department initiated a criminal investigation in March 2025 after receiving information that Luis Torres, 64, of Washington, had allegedly molested a child.
Indiana State Police Master Trooper Gaven Wilson conducted the investigation and submitted his findings to the Daviess County Prosecutor’s Office. After reviewing the investigation, the Daviess County Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges against Torres, and an arrest warrant was issued on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
On Wednesday afternoon, at approximately 2:46 p.m., Torres was arrested at his place of employment without incident. He was taken to the Daviess County Jail, where he is currently being held on bond.
Arrested and Charges:
Luis Torres, 64, Washington, IN
Child Molesting - Defendant is at least 21 years of age, Level 1 Felony
Child Molesting – Victim less than 14 years of age, Class A Felony
Child Molesting – Fondling or touching a child under 14 years of age, Level 4 Felony
Child Molesting, Class C Felony
Display of matter harmful to a minor, Level 6 Felony
Display of matter harmful to a minor, Class D Felony
Investigating Officer: Master Trooper Gaven Wilson
Assisting Officers: Master Trooper Detective Toni Walden, Trooper Jon Villanueva, Washington Police Department, and SWICACC (Southwestern Indiana Child Advocacy Center Coalition)
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest For Dealing Methamphetamine
Crawford County, IN - On Friday, June 13, 2025, at approximately 9:03 p.m., Trooper Kayla Denk-Mundy was patrolling State Road 145 near Eckerty when she stopped a Dodge Durango for a headlight violation. Trooper Denk-Mundy spoke to the driver of the vehicle, who identified himself as Garland R. Miller, 45, of Branchville. During the interaction, Trooper Denk-Mundy recognized indicators of criminal activity and requested the assistance of a K-9.
A Crawford County Deputy and his K-9 partner arrived to assist Trooper Denk-Mundy. During an open-air sniff of the vehicle, the K-9 gave a positive indication of the presence of narcotics. Due to a positive K-9 alert on the vehicle, officers conducted a search. During the search of the vehicle, officers found two bags containing approximately 19 grams of suspected methamphetamine, and another bag containing suspected marijuana. Trooper Denk-Mundy arrested Miller and transported him to the Crawford County jail without incident.
Garland R. Miller was preliminarily charged with the following:
Dealing Methamphetamine - Level 2 Felony
Possession of Methamphetamine - Level 4 Felony
Dealing Marijuana - Level 6 Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance – Level 6 Felony
Possession of Marijuana – Class A Misdemeanor
Violation of Driving Conditions - Class C Misdemeanor
Assisting in this incident was the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office and K-9 partner.
Mug Photo: Garland Miller
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
State Investigators Seek Public’s Help in Vincennes Arson Case
VINCENNES, Ind. — Investigators with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security are asking for the public’s assistance in an ongoing arson investigation following a fire in Vincennes.
Late Thursday evening, June 12, 2025, Vincennes Fire Department and Vincennes Police Department responded to reports of a residential fire in the 400 block of South 15th Street. Upon investigation, officials determined the fire was intentionally set by an individual who threw a firework from a vehicle in front of the home.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Tips can be reported anonymously by calling the Indiana Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628.
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in this case.
“We are asking for the community’s help to identify those responsible,” said a State Fire Marshal Steve Jones. “Even a small detail could make a big difference in solving this case.”
Judge Hears Citizens' Concerns About Electric Scooters
As the mayor of Mt. Carmel, Joe Judge receives dozens of emails, text messages, and phone calls on a variety of topics and issues concerning local residents. On Friday’s “Ask The Mayor” segment heard on WSJD, Judge said there’s been one hot topic the last few weeks generating about 90% of the concern….
Judge also said he has received reports of the scooters being ridden down the local state highways which would result in tickets if the riders are caught by State Police. Recently, one rider suffered a broken wrist when he crashed his scooter. Judge said his fear is that won’t be the last injury if parents don’t step up and educate their children about the dangers of the scooters and associated traffic laws.
Wabash District #348 School Board Agenda
Meeting at MCGS.
Incident At Local Restaurant Results In Arrest Of Mt. Carmel Woman
On 6/08/2025, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Rebecca A. Dudley, age 55, of Mt. Carmel for Criminal Trespass to Residence and Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer following a call to the Cactus Cuisine Restaurant in the 800 block of W 3rd Street. Police were called to the restaurant to investigate a report that Dudley refused to leave the establishment when requested by restaurant staff, due to unruly and disruptive behavior. When the officer spoke to Dudley, she appeared intoxicated on alcohol. Dudley was again asked to leave and again refused to exit the building. Staff requested to sign a complaint against Dudley for trespass and were allowed to do so. Dudley continued to refuse to leave and was placed under arrest. During the arrest, Dudley attempted to kick one of the officers while also pulling away in an attempt to avoid arrest. Dudley was transported to the Wabash County Jail, where she was charged and later released on a Notice to Appear.
Failing To Register As Violent Offender Lands Mt. Carmel Man In Jail
On 6/03/2025, Mt. Carmel Police arrested Christopher B. Cash, age 46, of Mt. Carmel for Failure to Register-Violent Offender Against Youth. The arrest stemmed from an investigation into Cash failing to update his statutorily required registry due to an address change. During the investigation, officers found information indicating Cash had moved from his registered address to another Mt. Carmel address, failing to notify the Mt. Carmel Police Department within the required 5-day timeframe. The arresting officer observed Cash operating a vehicle and conducted a traffic stop at 7th & Walnut Street. Cash was taken into custody and transported to the Wabash County Jail. Once there, Cash was issued the above charge and held pending a pre-trial release determination by the court.
