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Former Bartholomew Co Township Trustee Arrested for Theft in Excess of a Million Dollars

Money was spent on personal items and vacations

                                    ben jackson

A Columbus, Indiana man was arrested on multiple felony charges following a lengthy investigation by the Indiana State Police into the theft of over $1 Million while serving as the Bartholomew County (Columbus) Township Trustee. 

In October 2024, Detective Craig Starr-Indiana State Police, Special Investigations Section, and the Indiana State Board of Accounts began an investigation after a tip indicated that Township Trustee Benjamin P. Jackson, age 56, Columbus, Indiana had made personal purchases using a township credit card. 

An audit into purchases made by Jackson on township credit cards uncovered multiple personal purchases dating back to 2016.  Between 2016 and 2024, Jackson allegedly made over $1.1 Million in personal purchases with trustee office credit cards.

Indiana State Police Investigators submitted the case to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office in May of 2025.  Charges were officially filed today, which resulted in a warrant being issued for the arrest of Benjamin Jackson.

Today, he was arrested on felony charges of Corrupt Business Influence, Forgery, Official Misconduct, and Theft.  He was incarcerated in the Bartholomew County Jail where he will soon face an initial appearance in the Bartholomew County Circuit Court.

Benjamin Jackson was appointed as the Columbus Township Trustee in Bartholomew County in July 2013.  He resigned from the position in November 2024.

Indiana State Police Investigators were assisted by the Indiana State Board of Accounts.

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