JOIN OUR AMAZING TEAM!!!
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is now accepting applications for the position of 911 Dispatcher.
Applications can be picked up at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm. The Department is located at 150 E State Road 250 Brownstown, IN 47220. Applications can also be printed from the Sheriff's Department website at https://www.jacksoncountysheriffin.org under the Links & Resources tab.
Applicants must be a high school graduate or have your GED, must possess a valid driver's license, and must be able to pass a criminal background check.
Applicants will need to possess the ability to multitask, have basic typing skills, and flexibility to work differing shifts.
If you have any questions contact, Sheriff Rick Meyer, Chief Deputy Dustin Steward, or Dispatch Manager Dusti Hanner at (812) 358-2141 or email:
Breast Cancer Awareness is a cause close to the hearts of millions worldwide. It's a disease that knows no boundaries, affecting mothers, sisters, daughters, and friends. Behind every statistic is a story of resilience, courage, and hope.
Early detection is the cornerstone of survival. Regular screenings and self-examinations can make all the difference in catching cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. Supporting those affected by breast cancer is paramount; it's a journey best faced together.
This #PinkOctober, let's raise awareness, support survivors, and work towards a cure.
Sheriff Rick Meyer
SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT FINDS ANSWERS IN 52-YEAR-OLD CASE INVOLVING MYSTERIOUS CABIN FIRE
(Brownstown, IN) - The Jackson County Sheriff's Department announced last June that they were working to solve a cold case from December 18th, 1971. Sheriff Rick Meyer assigned the cold case to Lieutenant Adam Nicholson and gave him the go ahead to purse a renewed investigation.
The case involved a mysterious cabin fire that occurred on December 18th, 1971, in Jackson County, IN, about 1.5 miles south of Brownstown on State Road 135. The cabin was a 9' x 15' structure built from railroad ties and used as a hangout and camping site for teens. According to the original State Police reports, two teens, Stanley R. Robison, 17, and Jerry Autry, 19, were believed to have perished in the fire. A third teen, Michael W. Sewell, 16, was camping with Robison and Autry the night of the fire, but the original reports only indicated the remains of two (2) individuals were found. In addition, the reports describe the bodies as being badly burned and close to incineration. The only means of identification for Robison and Autry were done by class rings located at the scene.
Later in the day, approximately two (2) hours after investigators left the scene of the cabin, Sewell was reported missing by his family and has not been seen or heard of since.
"Several rumors and questions have been raised over the years adding to the mystery of the events of that evening," said Nicholson. "After taking a deep look at everything and processing all the old reports and evidence, it seemed logical to think Sewell also perished in the fire." "Other than the opinions of the original investigator there was no proof Sewell wasn't in the fire, and our focus is to prove he was or wasn't." "It was decided to exhume the remains of Mr. Autry and Mr. Robison to check for any additional evidence of a third person." "Sewell was only 16 years old and it's difficult to imagine he would still be missing 52 years later, if he had simply run away."
Lt. Nicholson sought the advice and assistance of Dr. Krista Latham with the University of Indianapolis. Dr. Latham, a professor of Biology and Anthropology and Board-Certified Forensic Anthropologist, agreed to help with further investigation into the case. Dr. Latham and a team of Anthropologists assisted with the exhumation of Robison and Autry on June 21st, 2022, at Fairview Cemetery in Brownstown. After the exhumation Dr. Latham took possession of the remains and transported them to the University of Indianapolis Human Identification Center for analysis. The families of the deceased were notified beforehand and gave consent for the exhumation. The families also provided their DNA so it could be compared with the remains exhumed.
Dr. Latham completed her analysis of the remains on November 22nd, 2022. Dr. Latham's report on the findings confirmed a minimum of three (3) individuals within the two (2) caskets that were exhumed. She came to this conclusion by identifying triplicate (3) copies of several bones. This is consistent with three (3) individuals being represented in the two (2) caskets. Dr. Latham noted there was no trauma observed that couldn't be attributed to the fire.
Dr. Latham selected the least burnt bones as candidates for possible DNA extraction to compare with the DNA of the families. The selected bones were then submitted to the Indiana State Police Lab for DNA testing. The Indiana State Police Lab attempted DNA analysis on several bones but only one was in good enough condition to produce results. On June 12th, 2023, the State Police Lab completed analysis on DNA extracted from the bone. The result identifies one of the decedents as Stanley Robison. The lab will continue to look for possibilities of extracting more DNA with future technology. Nicholson said, "I'm pleased and very thankful for the help that Dr. Latham, the University of Indianapolis, and the Indiana State Police Lab provided." "The thorough analysis they provided has answered some questions for the families involved, which was well deserved and long overdue." Sheriff Rick Meyer said, "I'm glad we can finally give some closure to the families involved. I commend Lt. Nicholson and all the assisting agencies who helped find answers in this 52-year-old case." Assisting with the investigation: Jackson County Coroner Office, FBI, University of Indianapolis, and Indiana State Police Lab.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Department is now accepting applications for the position of Merit Deputy. Applications MUST be turned in no later than June 23rd, 2023, at noon.
Applications can be picked up at the Jackson County Sheriff's Department Monday-Friday 8:00am to 4:00pm. The Department is located at 150 E State Road 250 Brownstown, IN 47220. Applications can also be printed from the Sheriff's Department website at https://www.jacksoncountysheriffin.org under the Links & Resources tab.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old, must be a high school graduate or have your GED, must possess a valid driver's license, and must be able to pass a criminal background check.
The hiring process may include all or some of the following: Physical agility test, written examination, department review board, background investigation, Merit board interview, and voice stress test.
If you have any questions contact, Sheriff Rick Meyer, Chief Deputy Dustin Steward, or Lt. Adam Nicholson at (812) 358-2141 or email:
anicholson@jacksoncountyin.org
Message from the Sheriff
School's Out & Summer's Here!
As we approach summer, the Jackson County Sheriff's Department is gearing up for a busy time of the year--as school dismisses and our neighbors get outside to enjoy barbeques, festivals and other outdoor events. We also want to take this time to give a big congratulations to all our area graduates and wish them the best of luck in the future, whether that is away at college, into a career, or somewhere in between!
As always, we would like to remind everyone to drive cautiously as children will be out playing, riding bikes, and enjoying the summer weather.
Of course, summer weather usually means higher temperatures, so remember these tips to beat the heat:
Take frequent water breaks Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 Never leave children or pets unattended in a vehicle Seek medical attention immediately for any signs of heat-related illnessWe would also like to remind everyone traveling in a vehicle to always wear their seat belt and never drink and drive. Seat belt usage is the most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Do not drink and drive - instead, call on a designated driver to get you home safely. Not only do you risk your life when you drive impaired, but you are also putting other drivers and passengers you share the roadway with at risk, too.
While you are traveling our roadways, boating, camping, or fishing, please remember to practice safety at all times. Mind the speed limits and always be on the lookout for children at play and crossing the streets.
Click here to read about the “CDC’s Eight Tips for Safe and Healthy Summertime Work and Play.”
The Jackson Sheriff's Department hopes everyone has a great, safe & healthy summer! Congratulations again to our graduates!
Sheriff Rick Meyer
The Indiana Office of the State Fire Marshal is offering a Reward up to $5,000 for any information that leads to a conviction in two Jackson County fires.
On February 23rd, 2022 a structure fire was report on West County Road 300 N Freetown, IN. Just a few hours later February 24th, 2022 there was a second structure fire reported in Medora, IN. Both properties were owned by the same individuals, and are being investigated as Arson. If you have any information related to these fires, please contact the Office of the State Fire Marshal, by calling the Arson Hotline at 1-800-382-4628 or email at Tips1@dhs.in.gov, and you may remain anonymous. Please click on the reward poster link for additional information.
SEX OFFENDER ARRESTED IN BROWNSTOWN FOR FAILURE TO REGISTER
Brownstown, Indiana (January 3, 2022) - Jackson County Sheriff Rick Meyer announced today that a registered sex offender was arrested over the weekend for multiple violations of the sex offender registry.
Richard Blocker, 49, was arrested on Friday, December 31, 2021, and transported to the Jackson County Jail on a charge of Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, a lever 6 Felony.
Lt. Adam Nicholson of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department is responsible for tracking compliance with the registry. According to the probable cause affidavit, dispatch contacted Lt. Nicholson to provide information that Richard called 911 to report his girlfriend had fallen and reported his address as a location on High Street in Brownstown.
The location of the residence violated the registry requirement that a registered sex offender against children cannot live within 1000 feet of a daycare, school, or public park. It was in proximity of Saint Peters Lutheran Daycare, Saint Peters Lutheran School, and Brownstown Central Middle and High schools.
Registered sex offenders are required to report any changes to their address, phone number, vehicle registration, and employment to the Sheriff's Department within 72 hours of the change. The probable cause affidavit alleges Blocker failed to do so in violation of all of those requirements.
"I commend Lt. Nicholson for his work in making this arrest. We have the sex offender registry for the purpose of keeping children in our community safe and so residents can be aware of their surroundings. We will continue to be vigilant in making sure the registered offenders living in Jackson County are accounted for," said Sheriff Meyer.
Blocker remains incarcerated at the Jackson County jail pending an initial hearing.
All charges filed in this case are merely allegations and all suspects are considered innocent unless or until proven guilty in a court of law.
Merry Christmas
As the Christmas approaches, I want to personally take this time to acknowledge our outstanding staff and thank them for their vital contribution to this office and our community. I want to thank each and every one of our deputies and civilian staff for their hard work and encourage you to do the same when you see them.
Their hard work and dedication to our office and community is something we are all very thankful for - not just during the holiday season, but all year-round. I believe it is very important to show our appreciation to those who have been vital to our organization's success.
I would also like to acknowledge our community for their tremendous support and efforts to help make our area a safer place to live and raise a family. We truly value your input and assistance and are happy to know our website is an important information resource to so many of you.
When considering traveling home for Christmas, please keep in mind that COVID-19 is still existent in the world and in our community. For more information on how to remain safe during your travels, read this CDC article: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html
If you are considering traveling for a Christmas, visit CDC's Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. For those who will be celebrating Christmas with loved ones, it's important to remember how to celebrate as safely as possible. To learn more about safer ways to celebrate Christmas, read the CDC's most recent guidance here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays/celebrations.html
Have a Merry Christmas.
Sheriff Rick Meyer