Hendricks County Prosecutor's Office

06/23/2026

~JURY RETURNS GUILTY VERDICTS IN LESS THAN 15 MINUTES; DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO 3 YEARS IN IDOC~

DANVILLE, IN – Following a jury trial this week, a Hendricks County jury found Matthew Mensch GUILTY on all counts in less than fifteen minutes of deliberation.

The convictions stem from a series of threats, intimidation, stalking behavior, and the distribution of an intimate image directed at his former girlfriend and her family.

Evidence presented at trial showed that after the relationship ended, Mensch repeatedly threatened his ex girlfriend and her family through text messages and voicemail recordings. In one voicemail, Mensch threatened to come to the family’s home and kill them if victims did not contact him. Additional text messages contained threats directed toward the victim, her daughter, and her daughter’s fiancé.

On October 31, 2023, Mensch drove to the family’s North Salem residence where he aggressively pounded on doors, screamed profanities, and attempted to force contact with the victims while they were inside with a small child. Security camera footage captured Mensch at the residence and showed him removing and damaging security cameras from the property.

The jury found Mensch guilty of three counts: two counts of Intimidation as level 6 felony, Distribution of an Intimate Image as an A misdemeanor.

Following the verdict, the Court immediately proceeded to sentencing and ordered Mensch to serve three years incarcerated in the Indiana Department of Correction.

“Hendricks County families should never have to live in fear because someone refuses to accept that a relationship has ended,” said Loren Delp Hendricks County Prosecutor. “Threats of violence, intimidation, stalking behavior, and attempts to terrorize victims will be treated seriously. This swift verdict sends a clear message that our community will stand with victims and hold offenders accountable.”

Prosecutor Delp also recognized Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Snoke, who served as first chair during the trial.

This case marked Ms. Snoke’s first jury trial as lead counsel. Her preparation, professionalism, and courtroom advocacy helped secure guilty verdicts on every count charged.

“The first jury trial is a milestone in every prosecutor’s career,” Delp said. “Ashley did an outstanding job presenting the evidence, advocating for the victims, and seeking justice. We are proud of her accomplishment and look forward to her continued service protecting Hendricks County families.”

The Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office thanks Deputy Prosecutor Ashley Snoke, Officer Corey Shaffer, the North Salem Police Department, and all law enforcement personnel involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

06/21/2026

The Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office would like to take a moment to wish a very Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers, and father figures in our office and throughout our community. Thank you for all you do each day to support your families, strengthen our community, and help make Hendricks County a safer place. We hope you enjoy a wonderful and well-deserved day celebrating with loved ones!

06/19/2026

~JURY CONVICTS INMATE OF BRUTAL PRISON ROBBERY~

This week, a Hendricks County jury found Robert Miller GUILTY on all counts: Robbery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, a Level 2 Felony, Aggravated Battery, a Level 3 Felony and being a Habitual Offender.

The evidence presented at trial showed that on July 4, 2024, Jeffrey Clouser, an inmate at the Plainfield Correctional Facility, was brutally beaten inside his prison cell. Mr. Clouser was a medically vulnerable inmate who had recently suffered significant health issues and relied on assistance from other inmates.

Surveillance footage, witness testimony, and the subsequent investigation established that Miller as well as other inmates entered Clouser’s cell multiple times. At one point Miller was alone in the cell and closed the cell door behind him. Minutes later, Miller emerged with a visibly swollen hand and property he did not possess when he entered. Witnesses later reported seeing Clouser badly injured and covered in blood.

Investigators further uncovered evidence that Miller stole Clouser’s personal property, including commissary items and other belongings, after the battery.

“This was a brutal and cowardly attack on a vulnerable inmate who could not defend himself. The jury’s verdict sends a clear message: violence and predatory behavior will be met with accountability, whether it occurs on our streets or behind prison walls.” — Loren Delp Hendricks County Prosecutor

Thank you to Detective Chris Hanson, of the Indiana State Police Investigator Richard Gaskin, the Indiana Department of Corrections, and everyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

06/18/2026

~PILOT SENTENCED TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH A MINOR~

After a three-day jury trial, a Hendricks County jury found Zachary Stober guilty of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 Felony. Last week, Stober was sentenced to 10 years in the Indiana Department of Correction, just two years short of the maximum possible sentence.

At sentencing, the Court found as its most significant aggravating factor that Stober is a child predator who routinely preyed upon children, in some instances targeting victims as young as nine years old. The Court further found that an aggravated sentence was warranted based upon the number of children he had victimized or attempted to victimize.

Evidence at trial established that Stober used social media and messaging applications to contact and groom the juvenile victim before arranging an in-person meeting and bringing her to his apartment in Avon. Investigators also uncovered multiple inconsistent statements made by the defendant during the investigation.

“This sentence reflects what the evidence showed: Zachary Stober was not someone who made a single bad decision. He was a predator who repeatedly used social media to identify, groom, and exploit children. Those who prey on minors should expect lengthy prison sentences in Hendricks County,” said Loren Delp Hendricks County Prosecutor.

I want to specifically thank Sr. Deputy Prosecutor Tyler Kinsley for his outstanding work in prosecuting this difficult and sensitive case, as well as Detective Joe Davi and the Avon Indiana Police Department for their thorough investigation and unwavering commitment to protecting children.

This case also serves as a reminder to parents that social media remains one of the primary tools used by s*xual predators to gain access to children. Vigilance, communication, and monitoring online activity remain critical to protecting young people from exploitation.

In Hendricks County, we will continue Protecting Families by aggressively prosecuting those who target and victimize children.

06/10/2026

~STATEMENT ON MARION COUNTY VIOLENT CRIME SPILLOVER~

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“For generations, the counties surrounding Marion County have been among the safest communities in Indiana. While violent crime has historically existed everywhere, the overwhelming majority of serious violent offenses committed in our counties were committed by local offenders against local victims.

That has changed.

Since approximately 2019, prosecutors and law enforcement agencies across central Indiana have witnessed a troubling and growing trend: violent offenders from Marion County increasingly committing serious crimes in neighboring counties. What was once an occasional occurrence has become a recurring pattern seen in homicide investigations, armed robberies, carjackings, shootings, and other violent offenses.

The S’Doni Pettis case is one tragic example. Pettis, a Marion County offender who was on probation despite multiple violations, fled from law enforcement in Hendricks County at extremely high speeds before crashing and killing two innocent children. The devastation that followed claimed not only the lives of those children but ultimately resulted in the death of their great-grandfather as well.

No single case proves a trend. But when that case is viewed alongside years of charging data, offender residency information, and violent crime statistics, a concerning picture emerges.

Crime does not stop at county boundaries. A dangerous offender released in Indianapolis can commit a violent crime in Carmel, Brownsburg, Greenwood, Plainfield, Fishers, Avon, or Danville the very next day. Public safety in central Indiana is interconnected, and policies adopted in one county often have consequences far beyond its borders.

The solution is not rhetoric. The solution is accountability. Violent offenders must be identified, prosecuted, and sentenced appropriately. Probation violations must have meaningful consequences. Repeat violent offenders must be treated as the threat they have demonstrated themselves to be.

The people of Hendricks County and central Indiana deserve safe communities. They deserve a criminal justice system that prioritizes public safety not political ambition. And they deserve leaders willing to acknowledge problems honestly and address them directly.

I appreciate Mayor Sue Finkam and Senator Jim Banks for bringing attention to this growing public safety concern. Their willingness to speak candidly about the impact of violent offenders crossing county lines has helped advance an important conversation that affects communities throughout central Indiana.”
~Loren Delp, Hendricks County Prosecutor

06/06/2026

Today, we pause to remember the extraordinary courage displayed on June 6, 1944.

On the beaches of Normandy, thousands of young men many barely out of high school charged into unimaginable danger. Many never came home. They fought not for glory or recognition, but because freedom and America was worth defending and tyranny had to be defeated.

The freedoms we enjoy today were secured by a generation of men and women willing to sacrifice everything for a cause greater than themselves. Their courage changed the course of the human race and preserved freedom for millions around the world.

Today, the cause of preserving, defending and restoring America is no less worthy than it was for those who stormed the beaches of Normandy. As we remember D-Day, may we never take for granted the blessings purchased by their sacrifice. We honor those who stormed the beaches, those who gave their lives, and those who returned home carrying the scars of war. John 15:13 says this “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”

We remember. We honor. We remain grateful.

06/01/2026

June is National Safety Month, and the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office is committed to helping keep our communities safe, secure, and strong.

Safety starts with all of us — whether it’s locking your vehicles, staying alert online, reporting suspicious activity, or making responsible choices behind the wheel. Small actions can make a big difference in preventing crime and protecting those around us.

Together, we can build a stronger, safer community.

05/25/2026

05/20/2026

🏁 Race Week Is Here — Let’s Keep It Safe! 🏁

As excitement builds for the Indy 500, HCPO encourages everyone to celebrate responsibly and help keep our community safe. Whether you’re attending events, hosting gatherings, or traveling throughout race week, remember:

✅ Plan ahead
✅ Stay alert
✅ Don’t drink and drive
✅ Look out for one another

Working together for a safe and enjoyable Indy 500 Week

05/16/2026

-JURY CONVICTS PILOT OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT WITH A MINOR-

After a 3-day jury trial this week, a Hendricks County jury found Zachary Stober GUILTY of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 Felony, on May 14. The jury hung and unable to reach a verdict on the Level 3 R**e charge.

Evidence presented at trial showed the defendant used Snapchat and social media to communicate with and gain access to the juvenile victim. Investigators uncovered evidence that the defendant contacted the victim online, arranged to meet her in person, and ultimately brought her to his apartment in Avon. The investigation further revealed multiple inconsistent statements made by the defendant when confronted by law enforcement.

Additionally detectives were able to locate and identify the defendant through those social media accounts, employment records connected to a local flight training organization where he was employed as a pilot and other investigative techniques.

This case is also an important reminder to parents about the dangers predators pose online. Social media and messaging applications have become one of the most common tools used by s*xual predators to identify, groom, and gain access to children. What begins as seemingly harmless online communication can quickly escalate into dangerous real-world encounters.

“Predators are increasingly using social media to target children because it gives them direct and often hidden access to minors,” said Prosecutor Loren Delp. “Parents must remain vigilant about who their children are communicating with online. This conviction reflects the courage of the victim in coming forward and the determination of law enforcement and prosecutors to hold offenders accountable.”

I want to specifically thank Deputy Prosecutor Tyler Kinsley for his outstanding work in prosecuting this difficult and sensitive case, as well as Detective Joe Davi of the Avon Indiana Police Department for their thorough investigation and commitment to protecting children in our community.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 8 at 1:00 p.m. The defendant faces a sentencing range of 2 to 12 years in the Indiana Department of Correction and must register as a s*x offender.

In Hendricks County, we will continue Protecting Families by aggressively prosecuting those who prey upon children.