Excellence in Service, Equality in Enforcement

The City of Madison Police Department is pleased to announce the following promotions in rank. 

• Rick Mundt is promoted to the rank of Captain 

• Wayne Phillips, Bruce Heaton, Ty Eblen and Jonathon Simpson were promoted to the rank of Lieutenant 

• William Watterson and Derk Napier were promoted to Sergeant 

• Joe Baker and Jeremy Cox were promoted to Senior Patrolman 

The promotions will take effect Sunday, February 26, 2012. 

Chief Thurston

February 7, 2012

The City of Madison Police Department would like to make sure the citizens of Madison and Jefferson County are aware of a debit card scam that is occurring in our area.  I spoke with Doug Bell of Indiana Bank and Trust regarding the scam.  The scam starts out by receiving an automated message call stating there is a problem with your debit card.  It then directs you to dial 1 for directions.  The caller then prompts you to enter information regarding your account to be used fraudulently. 

Mr. Bell stated you should NEVER give your entire account number to anyone.  If someone from any financial institution calls you, they will only ask you for a portion of your number and other identifiable information.

If you are a victim of this scam, you should call your bank and get a new debit card issued immediately. 
           

Dan Thurston
Chief of Police

February 7, 2012

On February 6th, 2012, an anonymous tip was called in on the Jefferson County Drug Task Force tip line. The caller advised that a subject by the name of James Emery was at the Victoria Inn, and was in possession of a large amount of cocaine. The caller also stated there was a warrant for James Emery’s arrest. Detective Sergeant Jonathon Simpson received the information and drove to the area. Detective Sergeant Simpson observed a red, Ford, pick-up truck that returned to James Emery from Milan, Indiana. The Madison Police Department Dispatch made contact with Ripley County Dispatch. The Ripley County dispatcher stated they were familiar with James Emery and it was learned that he was not wanted.

Patrolman Kurtis Wallace and Detective Simpson went to Victoria Inn in an effort to make contact with James Emery. Officers knocked on the door, which was answered by a person later identified as James Emery, age 44, of Milan, Indiana. James was informed of the complaint and asked if the officers could step inside to speak to him. James allowed officers inside the room. Once inside officers came into contact with Josh Luper, 24, of Madison Indiana; Sarah Estell, 25 of Madison, Indiana; Kayla McGovern, 19, of Milan Indiana; Heather Collins, 24, of Moores Hill, Indiana; and Christian J. Robbins, 41, of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Upon entering the residence, the officers observed a glass mirror with a white powdery substance on the floor. Next to the mirror was a razor blade. Based on these observations, a search warrant was sought and granted. During the search officers located over 30 grams of cocaine and approximately $3,700.00 in cash. The officers also located syringes, metal spoons, baking soda scales and plastic baggies. After interviewing the suspects, the following charges were filed:

James Emery—Dealing Cocaine Within 1,000 Feet of a Family Housing Complex; Class A Felony
Possession of Cocaine over 3 grams With Intent to Distribute; Class A Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance; Class D Felony

Heather Collins—Possession of Cocaine over 3 grams With Intent to Distribute; Class A Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance; Class D Felony

Kayla McGovern—Possession of Cocaine over 3 grams With Intent to Distribute; Class A Felony
Maintaining a Common Nuisance; Class D Felony

Sarah Estell—Possession of Cocaine Over 30 Grams; Class C Felony
Visiting a Common Nuisance; Class B Misdemeanor

Josh Luper—Possession of Cocaine Over 30 Grams; Class C Felony
Visiting a Common Nuisance; Class B Misdemeanor

Christian J. Robbins—Possession of Cocaine Over 30 Grams; Class C Felony
Visiting a Common Nuisance; Class B Misdemeanor

Captain Dan Stephan and Senior Patrolwoman Season Jackson also assisted in the investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges could be filed.

Chief Thurston

February 7, 2012

The City of Madison Police Department received a call of a male subject displaying a handgun at the Central Hotel and Tavern on Mulberry Street.  Captain Dan Stephan made contact with the male subject matching the description given.  He was later identified as David H. Oliva, 45,of Londonberry, OH.  Captain Stephan questioned David Oliva about the handgun to which Mr. Oliva denied having one.  Captain Stephan and Officer Josh Cochran of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department conducted a pat down of Mr. Oliva.  During the pat down, Deputy Cochran discovered a handgun on Mr. Oliva’s left side near his waist.  Captain Stephan then questioned Mr. Oliva and determined he did not have a permit for the weapon.  Captain Stephan later determined the weapon was reported as stolen from Riverside County, California.

Arrested:         David H. Oliva, 45: Possession of a Handgun Without a Permit; Class A Misd. Receiving Stolen Property; Class D Felony

Dan Thurston
Chief of Police

December 20, 2011

     On December 18, 2011 the Madison Police Department responded to a burglary that had taken place at the Scrub Board Laundry Mat located at 811 W. Main Street.  Ptl. Harris spoke with the owner of the laundry mat who showed him damage to the building and some of the equipment.  The owner showed Officer Harris were the suspect made entry to the building.  It appeared that the suspect removed the electric meter and the phone lines in an attempt not to be detected while committing the burglary.  The Scrub Board Laundry Mat is equipped with several surveillance cameras that were operational during the burglary.  After reviewing the video the suspect was seen casing the laundry mat at 9:39 PM on December 17, 2011.  The suspect’s face was captured on video after he removed his hooded sweatshirt.  The suspect was then seen prying on the door in an attempt to gain entry to the building.  The suspect gained entry into the building and then pried open two change machines and removed the contents.  The suspect caused approximately $5000.00 in damage to the business.

     Ptl. Harris was able to obtain the video from the business and showed Trooper Nate Adams with the Indiana State Police.  Trooper Adams was able to identify the suspect in the video.  Ptl. Harris also showed the video to Det. / Sgt. Eblen and Det. /Sgt. Simpson and they also identified the suspect. 

     On December 19, 2011 Det. / Sgt. Simpson located the suspect Mickle Logsdon in the 1000 block of W. Main Street.  Det. / Sgt. Simpson observed Mickle Logsdon leave the area in a vehicle which Trooper Adams was able to stop on West Street.  Mickle Logsdon was taken into custody at that time and transported to the Jefferson County Jail.  Once at the jail Logsdon was advised of his rights in which he waived.  During the course of the interview Logsdon admitted to breaking into the Scrub Board Laundry Mat.  Logsdon will await his initial hearing on the charges of Burglary Class C Felony and Criminal Mischief Class D Felony.

Yancy Denning
Chief of Police

November 30, 2011

 On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 The Madison Police Department along with the Madison Police Department Emergency Response Team, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Hanover Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana State Excise Police, and the Jefferson County Prosecutors Office executed two search warrants.  One search warrant was executed at the Raq Shaq located at 516 Green Road and the other at a residence located at 106 S. Sycamore Street in Hanover.  The Raq Shaq and the residence are both owned by Keith M. Bilz age 35 of Hanover. 
     The Madison Police Department began an undercover investigation into the sale of illegal narcotics at the Raq Shaq in late September.  Undercover officers made two controlled buys at the Raq Shaq.  After the first purchase the items were sent to the Indiana State Police Lab to be analyzed to identify the substance.  The report identified the substance as a class five controlled substance named Pyrovalerone.  Det. / Sgt. Eblen and Det. / Sgt. Simpson obtained search warrants for both the residence and the business owned by Keith Bilz. 
     During the execution of the search warrant at the Raq Shaq officers seized money and a small amount of the controlled substance Pyrovalerone.  Officers also seized sales receipts related to the business.
     During the execution of the search warrant at Keith Bilz the Emergency Response Team made entry and secured the residence and the people in it.  Once secured officers searched the residence and located over $93,000.00 in cash, over 600 grams of Pyrovalerone and several weapons.  Officers also seized items related to his business.  Keith Bilz was dealing in Pyrovalerone that was packaged in a foil package labeled under the name Radiance.  The packaging states that it is good luck powder and was sold in one gram packages for $53.50 per gram.  The Raq Shaq is owned by Keith Bilz and Tara Johnson.  Keith Bilz was arrested and charged with two counts of Dealing in a controlled substance. Tara Johnson was not arrested due to a medical condition and was transported from Madison Police department to KDHHS for treatment.  Charges of two counts of dealing in a controlled substance will be filed against Tara Johnson in court.  Also arrested was Matt Bennett 26 of Madison for conspiracy to deal in a controlled substance.    Both Bilz and Bennett were transported to the Jefferson County Jail to await their initial hearing.  A total of $95,438.05 was seized from the Raq Shaq and the residence.
     The combined efforts of the Madison Police Department, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department, Hanover Police Department, Indiana State Police, Indiana State Excise Police, and Jefferson County Prosecutors Office were able to arrest a major dealer in controlled substances and recover a large amount of drug money in a effort to make our community a safer place to live.

Yancy Denning
Chief of Police

November 23, 2011

     On Wednesday, November 23, 2011 the Madison Police Department arrested Madison Consolidated Part Time Assistant Band Director Jacob Minton Blanton, age 25, of Scottsburg, Indiana.  Jacob Blanton’s initial charges are Sexual Misconduct with a Minor and 2 counts of Child Seduction.  Additional charges may be filed later.  Jacob Blanton was transported from his residence in Scott County to the Jefferson County Jail to await his initial hearing.

     The Madison Police Department received notification that Jacob Blanton possibly had an inappropriate relationship with a former student.  Det. / Sgt. Simpson made contact with the Madison Consolidated High School administration staff to make them aware of the investigation on Friday, November 18, 2011.  At that time the Madison Consolidated High School Administration placed Jacob Blanton on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

     Det. / Sgt. Simpson and Det. / Sgt. Eblen interviewed two possible victims of Jacob Blanton.  The first victim was 14 and 15 years of age at the time of the acts were to have taken place.  The other victim was 16 and 17 years of age at the time of the acts at the time the acts were to have taken place.  Both victims gave detailed statements of the events that had taken place.

     The Madison Police Department would like to thank the Madison Consolidated High School Administration Staff for assisting us with this investigation and taking quick action to ensure the safety of the students by placing Jacob Blanton on Administrative Leave pending the outcome of the investigation.  I encourage the parents of any student that has had contact with Jacob Blanton to speak to your children to determine if there was any inappropriate contact between them.  If so contact Det. / Sgt. John Simpson, Det. / Sgt. Ty Eblen, or myself at 265-3347 to file a report.

Yancy Denning
Chief of Police

November 3, 2011

     On November 3, 2011 at approximately 7:35 AM the Madison Police Department responded to a burglary in progress at the Raq Shaq located at 516 Green Road.  The caller advised that he was an employee at the store and he had a female at gunpoint that had broken into the store.  Ptl. Wallace. Sr. Ptl. Jackson and Capt. Stephan arrived at the store and could see the front door glass had been broken out.  Officer’s entered the building and took the suspect into custody. 

     The store employee stated that he had been sleeping inside the store overnight due to some recent break-ins at the business.  He advised that he was awakened by the sound of glass shattering.  He stated that he got up and retrieved the weapon and went to the front of the store where he saw the female.  He stated that he told her to get on the ground as he pointed the weapon at her.  He stated that she complied and then he called the police. 

     Sr. Ptl. Jackson transported the suspect, Carrie Mae Williams, age 28, of Madison, Indiana to the Madison Police Department to be interviewed.  At The Madison Police Department Carrie Mae Williams was advised of her rights.  Carrie agreed to speak with officers about what happened.  Carrie Williams first told Det. / Sgt. Eblen and Sr. Ptl. Jackson that she was kidnapped and held at gun point by two males and was forced to break into the store.  After further questioning she admitted that she lied and that she had broken in the store in the attempt to steal money.

     Carrie Mae Williams was transported to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Jail to await her initial hearing on the charges of Burglary and Criminal Mischief.

Yancy Denning
Chief of Police

October 26, 2011

On October 25, 2011 Det. / Sgt. Simpson and Ptl. Baker were following up on a tip from a concerned citizen about possible cocaine distribution. Officers went to 1737 Marshal Street to speak with the occupants. Officers explained why they were at the residence and asked for consent to search the residence for cocaine. The owner of the residence gave permission to search. Officers located approximately 40 grams of cocaine in a bedroom of the residence. No other illegal items were located inside the residence.

Det. / Sgt. Eblen arrived at the residence and conducted an interview with Ismael S. Martinez who admitted that the cocaine was his. Ismael admitted that he had previously sold cocaine. Ismael was arrested and charged with maintaining a common nuisance and possession of cocaine over 3 grams with the intent to distribute. He was then transported to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department to await his initial hearing.

I encourage every citizen to get involved. If you have any information about illegal drug activities please contact the Madison Police Department at 265-3347 or the Jefferson County Drug Tip Line at 265-2121.

Yancy Denning
Chief of Police

October 20, 2011

     Captain Stephan, Captain Stidham, and Captain Wells selected Det. / Sgt. John Simpson for Officer of the Quarter for the months of July - September.  They cited Det. / Sgt. Simpsons dedication to the job and his continued efforts in the fight against drugs in our community.

     Det. / Sgt. Simpson has been employed with the Madison Police Department since 2004.  He was promoted to the rank of Sr. Patrolman in 2008 and Sergeant in 2009.  He was assigned to the Detective Division in July 2011.

     I would like to congratulate Det. / Sgt. John Simpson for his hard work and dedication to the job.  He is a valuable asset to the Madison Police Department and to the citizens of Madison.

Yancy Denning
Chief of Police

October 13, 2011

     On October 12, 2011 the Madison Police Department responded to the First Christian Church located at 512 West Main Street in reference to a Burglary.  Ptl. Adam Guzman spoke with office staff at the church who stated that when they arrived they noticed someone had gained entry to the church and taken several items.  Ptl. Guzman and Lt. Mundt were able to collect evidence at the scene and get a list of items taken along with serial numbers for some of the items.

   Det. / Sgt. John Simpson contacted Ptl. Guzman with information on the possible location of the stolen items.  Dt. / Sgt. Simpson and Ptl. Guzman went to that location and spoke with the people inside the residence.  The homeowner allowed officers inside the residence to speak with them.  While inside the residence officers located in plain sight some of the items taken in the burglary.  Officers then transported Zachary Gray and Brian Ervin to the Madison Police Department to be interviewed.  After Det. / Sgt. Simpson conducted the interviews both men were taken to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department to await their initial hearing on the charges of burglary and theft.

Yancy Denning
Chief of Police

October 12, 2011

The Madison Police Department is currently accepting resumes for the position of 911 Emergency Police Dispatcher.

Job Description    

SUMMARY:

Uses a computer, receives emergency calls from the public requesting police, fire, medical or other emergency services.  Determines the nature and location of the emergency; determines priorities, and dispatches police, fire, or other emergency units as necessary and in accordance with established procedures.  Receives and processes 911 emergency calls.  Monitor direct emergency alarms, answer non-emergency calls for assistance.  Enters, updates, and retrieves information from a variety of computer systems.  Monitors several complex public safety radio frequencies.  Operate a variety of communications equipment, including radio consoles, telephones and computer systems.  Able to obtain IDACS /NCIC certifications and attend other training as needed to perform the duties of dispatcher.

JOB PREREQUISITES/QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• Must possess high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be 21 years of age.
• No misdemeanor or felony convictions.
  

Salary and benefits package available upon request.

Please submit your resume with references by October 24, 201 to:
Chief Yancy Denning
Madison Police Department
101 W. Main Street
Madison, IN 47250

September 13, 2011

The Madison Police Department Merit Board announced the following promotions;

Sr.Ptl. Ben McKay to Sergeant
Ptl. Mika Season Jackson to Sr. Patrolman
Ptl. Derk Napier to Sr. Patrolman.

Congratulations.

Chief Yancy Denning