Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office

Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office promptly pursues justice and continues to seek improvements in the criminal justice system.

The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office is charged with the responsibility of representing the State of Indiana in all felony and misdemeanor criminal prosecutions resulting from crimes committed within Vanderburgh County, Indiana. In addition, the Vanderbrugh County Prosecutor’s Office conducts criminal investigations, supervises Grand Jury proceedings, enforces child support orders entered in

divorce and paternity cases, conducts juvenile adjudications and prosecutions, and provides information and assistance to the victims of crime.

PROLIFIC ANIMAL ABUSER SHAYNA BURKO GETS MORE PRISON TIME ​VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Prosecutor Diana Moers announces t...
06/09/2026

PROLIFIC ANIMAL ABUSER SHAYNA BURKO GETS MORE PRISON TIME

​VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on Tuesday, June 9, the Honorable Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of the Vanderburgh Circuit Court revoked the probation of Shayna Faye Burko and ordered her to serve time in prison for her crimes against animals.

The decision was made during a hearing on Tuesday, where Burko appeared for a case in which she was charged and convicted of seven Level 6 Felony counts of cruelty to animals.

Burko was previously sentenced to serve two years of probation in this case, but Tuesday’s hearing to revoke her probation came about after she recently pled guilty to several counts of animal cruelty in a separate case Warrick County, Indiana. In her recent case in Warrick County, Burko was also sentenced to serve 4 years in prison.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Keaton Maurer argued that the conditions of Burko’s probation included possessing no animals, aside from a service animal if applicable. DPA Maurer pointed out Burko’s blatant disregard for that condition and her pattern of animal abuse, listing the numerous animals that suffered at Burko’s hands in the Warrick County case.

After hearing the State’s arguments, Judge Reed revoked Burko’s prior sentence of 2 years’ probation and instead ordered her to serve 2 years at the Indiana Department of Correction. At the time of Burko’s original sentencing in 2023, the State requested she receive the maximum executed sentence of 4 years in prison.

Burko was arrested in 2022 after leaving several dogs in a home on Mooring Road to suffer and die. The rooms of the home were filled with urine and f***s. In addition to a deceased German Shepard, officers found a detached dog head and limb inside the home. Of the dogs that survived the horrific abuse, several were malnourished.

​Burko’s case is one of several that motivated Prosecutor Moers to fight for stricter punishments for animal abusers and stronger protections for animals in our state. Prosecutor Moers collaborated with Representative Wendy McNamara on House Bill 1165, which was recently signed into law by Gov. Mike Braun. During her time in Indianapolis testifying in support of the bill, Prosecutor Moers pointed to several animal cruelty cases that justified the new protective measures, including Burko’s.

Following Tuesday’s hearing, Prosecutor Moers said: “It is a well-studied fact that animal abusers and hoarders are often repeat offenders and pose a serious threat to our society by their propensity to commit violent and other crimes. This is why I worked with Rep. Wendy McNamara to change the law in Indiana and increase the penalties for animal neglect and hoarding situations, so we don’t have to wait for defendants to hoard, harm and neglect animals repeatedly before they see the inside of a prison. I am glad to see this prolific animal abuser and hoarder finally get the prison time she deserves—which was the maximum amount allowable under the law—and that she will no longer have access to animals.

Animal cases are difficult to prosecute because the victims cannot speak. I commend our animal rescue community who has shown up for these animals and remained a voice and advocate to the defenseless. I also thank our law enforcement at animal control and the Evansville Police Department Humane Unit and especially the Prosecution Team in Warrick County including Prosecutor Mike Perry and John Schaefer who fought hard to make sure Shana Burko received a four-year sentence before being re-sentenced on her case in Vanderburgh County.

These cases require careful investigation, time, and expertise to successfully prosecute. I encourage Vanderburgh County residents to remain vigilant and if they suspect animal abuse or neglect—please call 911. Our Evansville Police and Sheriff Departments as well as animal control are trained to identify animal abuse and neglect and also to identify those who might need resources to properly take care of their animals. If animals are being abused and neglected, other vulnerable people are also at risk such as children, the sick, and the elderly.

If you find yourself unable to care for animals you have, please reach out for help! Abandoning and neglecting animals is not only cruel but carries with it criminal penalties which can be avoided.”

CAREGIVER OF 2-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOUND GUILTY OF NEGLECT CAUSING PERMANENT BRAIN INJURY VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Prosecut...
06/08/2026

CAREGIVER OF 2-YEAR-OLD GIRL FOUND GUILTY OF NEGLECT CAUSING PERMANENT BRAIN INJURY

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on Thursday, June 4, 2026, a jury found Kashia Blanks guilty of neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 3 felony, and neglect of a dependent by deprivation of necessary support, a Level 6 felony. The Honorable Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court presided.

On June 1, 2022, a 2-year-old girl was admitted to the hospital because she was unconscious and unresponsive. It was quickly determined that she needed immediate surgery for an acute subdermal hematoma to reduce swelling in her brain or she could die. The doctors were able to save her by removing part of her skull to reduce the pressure. Unfortunately, the brain trauma resulted in long-term disability such that the 2-year-old child is unable to walk or speak 4 years later and is able to use only one arm, alongside other developmental and physical deficiencies.

The child was in the sole care of her mom’s girlfriend—the defendant—while her mom was at work. The defendant claimed that the child suddenly became unresponsive and that she performed CPR on the child, put a cold popsicle on her head, and tried to use Oreos to wake the child up. Importantly, she never called 911, and the unresponsive child was brought to the hospital only after the mom came home.

At trial, the defendant presented a theory that the child had fallen down the stairs two days prior to the hospitalization date, but this story was overwhelmingly contradicted by medical testimony. The State called numerous board-certified medical professionals ranging from the neurosurgeon to specialists in pediatric neuroradiology and abuse. They indicated that the cause of brain trauma was non-accidental and would have resulted in immediately noticeable symptoms. The pediatric specialists testified that the significant scope of the injuries was inconsistent with a fall down the stairs and the timeline posed by the defendant.

Deputy prosecutors Jordan Williams and Keaton Maurer held firm during a four-day trial, despite the defense offering a never-before-disclosed “fact” that the defendant’s four-year-old son had pushed the 2-year-old victim down the stairs. The jury did not buy this new theory and quickly returned guilty verdicts in less than 2 hours.

Investigators who were instrumental in the prosecution and conviction included EDP Detective Vonderscher and Officer Zimmer. Prosecutor’s Office staff who assisted included Jen Savage, Lisa Deutsch, and Morgan Richardville.

Prosecutor Moers had the following statement: “Even one case where a child is murdered or harmed permanently at the hands of their own parent or caretaker is too much—sadly we have many of these types of cases in our own county. In this case, a perfectly healthy baby girl has suffered permanent injuries at the hands of a caretaker. My prosecutors worked day and night to develop this case—calling in a parade of doctors and experts who used their time and expertise to help us achieve justice.

Cases involving children are difficult to prosecute. Children are an easy target because they cannot speak for themselves and many offenders will go unprosecuted—but this will not stop us from seeking justice with every piece of evidence we can gather from the 911 call to technology and medical experts. I consider it the core function of my office to keep children safe and I can promise we will not relent in this pursuit. We will be seeking the most aggressive sentence allowable by law for this violent defendant who has caused permanent harm to a child under her care. The jury saw through her story and she made a display in the courtroom acting as the victim herself when she was found guilty. I want the public to be diligent and hold other parents and caretakers accountable if they see anything suspicious or see a child who is displaying signs of trauma. No child should be abused and no child should go without swift medical care if they are injured.”

The sentencing hearing is set for June 24, 2026 in front of the Honorable Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of the Vanderburgh County Circuit Court. The defendant faces a possible sentence of 3 to 16 years for the neglect resulting in serious bodily injury, a Level 3 felony, and ½ to 2½ years for the Level 6 felony neglect.

PROSECUTOR MOERS SHARES ONLINE TIPS FOR NATIONAL INTERNET SAFETY MONTHVANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — In 2005, the U.S. Senat...
06/02/2026

PROSECUTOR MOERS SHARES ONLINE TIPS FOR NATIONAL INTERNET SAFETY MONTH

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — In 2005, the U.S. Senate designated June as National Internet Safety Month to raise awareness of internet dangers and highlight the need for education about online safety.

For prosecutors in particular, June is a time to highlight youth safety, especially for kids with social media access, as online risks have increased dramatically over the years.

In 2025, there was a staggering increase nationally in the number of reports the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) CyberTipline received related to online enticement of children for sexual acts. Enticement is when a person communicates with someone believed to be a child on the internet with the intent to commit a sexual offense or abduction.

This type of crime may include sextortion, in which a child is being groomed to take sexually explicit images or ultimately meet face-to-face with someone for sexual purposes, or to engage in a sexual conversation online or, in some instances, to sell or trade the child’s sexual images. This type of victimization takes place across every type of platform, including online gaming, social media, and messaging apps, according to NCMEC.

“Children and teens are accessing technology earlier than ever, increasing the need for proactive education and monitoring,” said Prosecutor Moers. “The goal of Internet Safety Month is to promote protective measures and encourage early digital safety conversations at home.”

Prosecutor Moers explained there are several safety tips parents and guardians can follow with their kids. Building trust, having open communication, and setting boundaries are crucial.

Parents should:

• Set clear rules around screen time, social media use, and online gaming.

• Only use apps and platforms with verified parental controls and privacy settings.

• Supervise internet access and teach basic online safety rules such as not clicking on unknown links, not accepting friend requests from strangers, and not sharing locations.

• Keep devices in shared spaces and teach kids about 'safe strangers' online.

• Start conversations early about digital footprints, encouraging them to be cautious about sharing personal information and pictures online.

• Regularly review your child’s apps, privacy settings, and device activity.

Prosecutor Moers encourages community members to report suspicious online behavior to law enforcement immediately, including cyberbullying, exploitation attempts, or impersonation.

“Educate your kids at a young age to report to an adult right away when they feel uncomfortable in a situation online,” Prosecutor Moers said. “Point out red flags to look for (asking for pictures or money), and the precautions to take when situations turn dangerous.”

Other resources for online safety include:

•National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: https://www.missingkids.org/home

•June is Internet Safety Month — Indiana Center for the Prevention of Youth Abuse & Su***de: https://www.indianaprevention.org/blog-1/internetsafetymonth2025

•Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force: Parenting Tips: https://www.in.gov/isp/icactf/parenting-tips/

BRAVE TESTIMONY FROM YOUNG VICTIM HELPS CONVICT CHILD MOLESTER VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Prosecutor Diana Moers announc...
06/02/2026

BRAVE TESTIMONY FROM YOUNG VICTIM HELPS CONVICT CHILD MOLESTER

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on Wednesday, May 27, a jury found Travis S. Jones guilty of Child Molesting as a Level 4 Felony.

In May of 2017, a forensic interview conducted at Holly’s House revealed that Jones had molested a young victim.

The victim, who was just 7 years old at the time of the abuse, was able to get away from Jones. She bravely confided in her friend about what had happened, and her friend then told an adult.

At trial, testimony was provided by the victim, her parents, and the friend she confided in. Recorded interviews with Jones were also presented as evidence.

Following the trial, the jury deliberated for less than 2 hours before returning the verdict that Jones had been found guilty as charged.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys Jessica Berry and Melissa Haley tried this case, and the Honorable Judge Robert J. Pigman of the Vanderburgh Superior Court presided.

Investigators who were instrumental in the prosecution and conviction of Jones include Retired EPD Detective Brian Turpin and EPD Sergeant Anna Gray. Other staff members at the Prosecutor’s Office who assisted also include Teresa Wilcox, Morgan Richardville, Jen Savage, and Jessica Purdue.

Jones is now scheduled to be sentenced on June 26. The sentencing range is 2 to 12 years.

Our office was proud to sponsor Albion Fellows Bacon Center's “Evening of Hope” gala in April!The event raised funds to ...
05/29/2026

Our office was proud to sponsor Albion Fellows Bacon Center's “Evening of Hope” gala in April!

The event raised funds to support Albion’s continued efforts to provide services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

In 2025 alone, Albion was able to respond to 10,077 crisis hotline calls, develop 7,872 safety plans, and provide safe shelter to more than 233 adults and children, including their pets, who fled violent and dangerous situations.

Today is National Rescue Dog Day🐾, and the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office is taking a moment to recognize the wo...
05/20/2026

Today is National Rescue Dog Day🐾, and the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office is taking a moment to recognize the work being done by our local animal shelters and rescue organizations.

Every day, organizations such as the Vanderburgh Humane Society and Evansville Animal Care & Control provide care and shelter to animals in need while helping to connect them with loving forever homes.

To celebrate the day, members of our office are sharing photos of their own rescue dogs! ❤️🤍💙

Thank you to shelter staff, volunteers, fosters, and adopters, who make this work possible every day.

DOMESTIC RELATIONSHIP TURNS DEADLY: ROBERT BALLARD JR. RECEIVES 95 YEARS FOR MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER OF GIRLFRIEND A...
05/18/2026

DOMESTIC RELATIONSHIP TURNS DEADLY: ROBERT BALLARD JR. RECEIVES 95 YEARS FOR MURDER AND ATTEMPTED MURDER OF GIRLFRIEND AND HER FAMILY

VANDERBURGH COUNTY, Ind. — Prosecutor Diana Moers announces that on Friday, May 15, a convicted murderer was sentenced to nearly a century in prison after opening fire on a vehicle that had two women and two kids inside back in 2018.

The Honorable Magistrate Judge Ryan C. Reed of the Vanderburgh Circuit Court ordered Robert Lee Ballard Jr. to serve 95 years at the Indiana Department of Correction at his sentencing hearing Friday, for crimes including murder, attempted murder, battery by means of a deadly weapon, and intimidation.

In April, Deputy Prosecutors Audrey Beckerle and Keaton Maurer took the case to trial and secured a guilty verdict after presenting indisputable evidence against Ballard to the jury.

In May of 2018, Ballard fired multiple shots into a vehicle parked at a home on West Delaware Street, which had Amanda Weir, Ladonna Davis, and two kids inside.

A week before the shooting took place, an 18-year relationship between Ballard and Davis had ended. It was tradition that they would go out to eat on Friday – information used by Ballard to conduct his murderous plan. Ballard’s intentions were further revealed when he indicated that he had parked his motorcycle in an alley to conceal his vehicle at the time of the attack, and that he was “planning” a few days before the shooting occurred.

After fatally injuring Weir and injuring Davis, Ballard attempted to flee the scene – but a nearby resident was able to stop him. As that resident was confronting Ballard, Ballard fired a shot at him, leading to a firefight between both men before Ballard was taken into custody by police.

At trial, Deputy Prosecutors Beckerle and Maurer presented firearm forensics connecting Ballard’s gun to the shell casings recovered from the scene, an autopsy report and testimony from a doctor, bodycam footage and crime scene photos, 911 calls, and witness testimony. The State also presented a phone call made by Ballard eight days after the shooting as evidence, where Ballard said he would be going for that “temporary psychiatric thing” and he asked family to send 18 black roses to Weir’s funeral for the “18 years of hell her momma gave him.”

Ballard’s trial was delayed for several years due to his intentional efforts to portray himself as incompetent – but he was eventually found to be “malingering” by doctors and competent to stand trial.

After hearing all the evidence against Ballard, the jury found him guilty as charged. Despite Ballard’s efforts, the jury did not find him “guilty but mentally ill,” indicating they saw past his attempts to portray himself as mentally impaired and recognized his true murderous nature.

Prosecutor Moers stated: This case underscores the importance of our domestic violence unit and the good that our $500,000 grant award can do in Vanderburgh County. Ballard’s attempts to present himself as having a mental illness proved unsuccessful thanks to the unrelenting efforts from this office and expertise of medical professionals. Ballard continued to attempt to make a circus out of the proceedings in court, but the jury saw him for what he was and, at last, justice has been served. He is a calculated and violent person, and he will now spend the rest of his life behind bars. These innocent victims can now heal and move on with their lives. I commend my staff and victim advocates in this case as well as law enforcement who were all unwavering in their efforts to push this case to a final resolution.

The Prosecutor’s Office would like to thank the law enforcement officers involved in investigating this case, including EPD Detective D. Smith, who worked as the lead detective on the case, as well as Officer M. Reid and Officer B. Hallmark. Staff members at the Prosecutor’s Office who also substantially assisted with the case include Jessica Po***ck, Tony Carden, Morgan Richardville, Robyn Mastison, and Jen Savage.

This week, a ceremonial signing was held for HEA 1250 — A bill inspired by the senseless murder of local realtor and lif...
05/14/2026

This week, a ceremonial signing was held for HEA 1250 — A bill inspired by the senseless murder of local realtor and lifetime Evansville resident, Susan Haynie.

After it was introduced by Rep. Tim O’Brien, Prosecutor Diana Moers supported this bill as it made its way through the legislative process, even traveling to Indianapolis to testify on its behalf, before it was ultimately signed into law.

The legislation requires the Department of Correction to provide at least seven days advance notice to local sheriffs, prosecutors, and police chiefs before serious violent offenders are released from custody, and ensures victims are properly informed through the SAVIN system.

The overwhelming turnout during Monday’s ceremonial signing served as another reminder that Susan’s legacy will not be forgotten, and Prosecutor Moers was honored to stand alongside state and local leaders, Susan’s loved ones, and community members for the event.

After being signed into law by the Governor, HEA 1250 will go into full effect on July 1, 2026.

The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office spent part of the weekend supporting a great cause at the Vanderburgh Humane ...
05/12/2026

The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor's Office spent part of the weekend supporting a great cause at the Vanderburgh Humane Society's annual Benefit Dinner & Auction! 🐶💙

As the Humane Society's largest fundraiser of the year, the event helps provide care and services for the thousands of pets and people they assist throughout the community annually.

We're happy to support an organization that works to make Vanderburgh County a better place for both people, and animals.

Our office attended the Evansville Bar Association “Law Day” Dinner and Annual Meeting on April 22, celebrating the EBA’...
05/01/2026

Our office attended the Evansville Bar Association “Law Day” Dinner and Annual Meeting on April 22, celebrating the EBA’s 115th anniversary since its incorporation in 1911.

The event highlighted the vital role of law in our society, bringing together members of the legal community for the election of leadership, recognition of distinguished honorees, and presentation of the Gresham and Perdue Awards.

For the first time in 115 years, the EBA also celebrated a female practitioner’s 50-year career by recognizing Anne Pritchett. Along with Anne, seven other attorneys were recognized as 50-year honorees.

The Evansville Bar Association has approximately 550 Attorney and Paralegal members, and serves to enhance the practice of law, promote ethical standards, and uphold the dignity of the legal profession.

Address

1 NW Martin Luther King, Jr, Boulevard, Civic Center Complex/Room 108
Evansville, IN
47708

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm
Saturday 8am - 4pm
Sunday 12am - 11pm

Telephone

+18124355150

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