Busy Week For Jennings County Officers

Multiple arrests made on separate occasions.

(Jennings County, Ind.) - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office made multiple arrests from January 5 to January 9 for multiple incidents that occurred around the area. Many arrests were related to drugs, with one being a burglary arrest. 

The arrests are as follows:

January 5, 2021 Arrests:

Ricky McLaughlin, Photo Provided

On January 5, Deputy Kyle Lee with the Jennings County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of a burglary in the 4000 block of North State Road 7.

A homeowner reported that their garage had been broken into and approximately $2000 worth of tools had been stolen. The homeowner also reported damage to the inside of the garage as well as a vehicle parked inside of the garage. It had also been reported that other vehicles parked in the area had been broken into. Later that evening the homeowner contacted Deputy Thomas Mellencamp and advised him that this burglar had put several of the stolen items on Facebook marketplace. Deputy Mellencamp then investigated and made contact with Ricky McLaughlin, 28, of greenfield over the telephone and scheduled to meet with him to purchase the items.

On Friday, January 9 Deputy Mellencamp was able to interview McLaughlin, where he was able to obtain information that led to the recovery of the stolen items. Deputy Mellencamp then arrested McLaughlin on the following alleged charges, burglary (Level 5 Felony), Criminal Trespass (B Misdemeanor), Criminal Mischief (B Misdemeanor), Unlawful Entry into a Motor Vehicle (B Misdemeanor), and Possession of Marijuana (B Misdemeanor) 

Robbins and Erwin Photos Provided

On January 5 deputies with the Jennings County Sheriff's Office received information that there was a wanted person, Steven D. Robbins,37, of North Vernon, who was traveling in a Black GMC Yukon in the Butlerville area going towards North Vernon.

It was determined that Robbins had an outstanding felony arrest warrant from Ripley County. Deputies searched for robbins’ vehicle and eventually located it on West Walnut Street at the Country Mark gas station.

During a traffic stop, deputies observed Robbins placing what appeared to be drugs into his mouth in an attempt to swallow them. It was found during the course of the investigation that he had swallowed over a half gram of heroin. Robbins was taken to St. Vincent/Jennings Hospital for treatment and later released. A rear-seat passenger Samantha Erwin, 32, of North Vernon, was also taken into custody for possession of methamphetamine.

The two are currently being held in the Jennings County Jail on the charges of Robbins Possession of Methamphetamine (L6 Felony - Bond $6,255.00), Obstruction of Justice (L6 Felony), Possession of Paraphernalia (A-Mis) Felony Warrant through Ripley County (No Bond). Erwin, Possession of Methamphetamine (L6 Felony - Bond $3,155.00)

Photos Provided.

On January 5, at approximately 12:55 a.m. Sergeant Cody Low conducted a traffic stop on a black 2006 Mercedes passenger car for failing to dim their headlights and expired registration.

The driver then admitted to not having a valid driver's license.

Sergeant Low deployed canine partner Axel to conduct a free air sniff to the vehicle. Axel subsequently alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. When searching the vehicle Sergeant Low found several syringes, paraphernalia, pills, and approximately 10 grams of Methamphetamine.

Three were then arrested on the following alleged charges.

Bruce Martin, 35 Columbus Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony), Possession of Syringes (Level 6 Felony) Possession of Paraphernalia (A Misdemeanor).

Cheryl Scott, 27, Columbus, Legend Drug Acts Violation (Level 6 Felony)

Katherine Hadley, Bartholomew County Warrant.

January 9, 2021 Arrests:

Decker, Philpot. Photos Provided

On January 9, at approximately 11:00 a.m., Deputies with the Jennings County Sheriffs Office responded to an address on Langston Way in the Country Squire Lake subdivision for a report of someone being inside a residence without permission.

The reporting person stated that he and his wife arrived at their home when they found an unknown male and female inside of their residence. The victim then told deputies that all of their belongings has been gone through.

The unknown male and female left the residence prior to the arrival of deputies.

After gathering details of the couple, deputies began searching the area when they located 29-year-old Dustin Decker and 27-year-old Keisha Philpot both of North Vernon walking on Country Manor near Almond Drive.

The two matched the description given by the victim.

While speaking with the two it was determined that they had entered the residence and were then taken into custody without further incident.

Officers located a half gram of methamphetamine and a loaded handgun on Decker’s person. He is currently being held on the following alleged charges of Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony), Possession of a Syringe (Level 6 Felony), and Residential Entry (Level 6 Felony).

Philpot is being held on the alleged charges of Residential Entry (Level 6 Felony).

Terry Trowbridge. Photo Provided.

On January 9, at approximately 7:50 p.m. Canine Sergeant Cody Low attempted to conduct a traffic stop traveling East on US 50 near 4th street for a speeding violation.

Sergeant Low activated his patrol vehicle’s emergency lights at which time the vehicle failed to yield and increased speed in an attempt to elude officers. Sergeant Low pursued the vehicle for approximately 7 miles with speeds reaching close to 100 mph.

The driver then fled north onto Main Street in Butlerville before coming to a stop and surrendering. The male subject was then identified as 48-year-old Terry Trowbridge of Norman, Indiana.

Trowbridge was taken into custody without further incident. Further investigation unveiled that Trowbridge is currently a Habitual Traffic Violator.

Trowbridge was arrested and taken to the Jennings County Jail where he is currently being held on a $1,055.00 Bond for the Resisting Law Enforcement, Level 6 Felony, and Operating as a Habitual Traffic Violator, Level 6 Felony.

Trowbridge was also issued numerous citations for various traffic infractions.