CHRISTOPHER DORTEN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS FOR DEALING IN METH AND COCAINE

Iceberg defendants currently sentenced total nearly 145 years

Jefferson County, Indiana (June 4, 2025) – Christopher Rodgers Dorten, 48, of Madison, Indiana was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge DJ Mote on Monday, June 2, 2025, to 40 years at the Indiana Department of Correction following his convictions for 14 felonies related to dealing in Methamphetamine and Cocaine.

In 2024, a months-long, multi-unit investigation, entitled “Operation Iceberg,” led to 25 drug-related arrests and removed pounds of methamphetamine and a significant amount of cocaine from Jefferson County. Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter stated that the Dorten conviction brings the current total sentences to 145 years for Iceberg defendants.

The investigation began in February of 2024 after authorities learned that Christopher Dorten was a major supplier of methamphetamine in Jefferson County. Throughout the investigation, officers were able to confirm that Dorten made at least 65 trips to Louisville, where he obtained meth and cocaine from Darren Richardson, also known as Anthony Richardson.

“This 40-year sentence sends a clear message: if you traffic deadly drugs in Jefferson County, you will be held accountable. We will continue to pursue major dealers who profit from addiction and destroy lives. The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect our community,” said Prosecutor Sutter.

Operation Iceberg was led by the Indiana State Police and involved the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, City of Madison Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, Kentucky State Police, and U.S. Marshal’s Office.

“I want to thank Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Michaelia Gilbert for her outstanding work on this case. Her dedication was instrumental in securing this conviction. I also want to commend Detective Mark Jenkins and Sergeant Adam Bullock with the Indiana State Police for their excellent investigative work. Their professionalism and commitment were critical to the success of this case and to keeping our community safe.”

Other convictions and sentences that have been obtained as a part of the arrests made in Operation Iceberg include:

Mark Lewis, 59, of Madison, Indiana – 25 years at the Indiana Department of Correction following convictions for Dealing in Cocaine as a Level 2 Felony, Dealing in Methamphetamine as a Level 2 Felony, and Corrupt Business Influence as a Level 5 Felony. 

Jonathan David Clark, 51, of Hanover, Indiana – 12 years at the Indiana Department of Correction with 2 suspended following convictions for Conspiracy to Deal in Methamphetamine as a Level 2 Felony, Corrupt Business Influence as a Level 5 Felony, and Possession of Methamphetamine as a Level 6 Felony.

Jeremy Webster, 40, of Madison, Indiana – 10 years at the Indiana Department of Correction following convictions for Conspiracy to Deal in Methamphetamine, as a Level 2 Felony and Corrupt Business Influence as a Level 5 Felony.

Michelle Childress, 47, of Hanover, Indiana – 10 years at the Indiana Department of Correction with 7 suspended following convictions for Conspiracy to Deal in Cocaine as a Level 5 felony, Corrupt Business Influence as a Level 5 Felony, Possession of Methamphetamine as a Level 3 Felony, and Maintaining a Common Nuisance as a Level 6 Felony.

Gregory Griffin, 59, of Versailles, Indiana – 10 years at the Indiana Department of Correction with 185 days executed and 3,465 suspended following a conviction for Conspiracy to Deal in Methamphetamine, as a Level 2 Felony.

Mandy Demaree, 51, of Vevay, Indiana – 9 years at the Indiana Department of Correction with 6 suspended following convictions for Dealing in Cocaine as a Level 5 Felony and Corrupt Business Influence as a Level 5 Felony.

Larry Howard II, 53, of Madison, Indiana – 8 years at the Indiana Department of Correction with 6 suspended following convictions for Conspiracy to Deal in Methamphetamine as a Level 4 Felony and Corrupt Business Influence as a Level 5 Felony.

Sean Cooksey, 57, of Madison, Indiana – 7 years at the Indiana Department of Correction with 3 suspended following convictions for Conspiracy to Deal in Cocaine as a Level 5 Felony and Corrupt Business Influence as a Level 5 Felony.

Jeanie Lansberg, 55, of Commiskey, Indiana – 6 years at the Indiana Department of Correction with 5 years suspended following a conviction for Dealing Methamphetamine as a Level 4 Felony.

Jason Posey, 48, of Madison, Indiana – 6 years at the Indiana Department of Correction with 17 days executed and 2,173 days suspended following a conviction for Dealing Cocaine as a Level 5 Felony.

Jennifer Phillips, 52, of Madison, Indiana – 2 years at the Indiana Department of Correction all suspended following a conviction for Maintaining a Common Nuisance as a Level 6 Felony and 2 days executed following a conviction for Possession of Marijuana as a Class B Misdemeanor.

Thirteen remaining defendants still have pending charges as a result of Operating Iceberg, including Richardson, who remains incarcerated on local charges in Louisville, Kentucky. Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.