What are the opening hours?

Monday 8am - 4pm Tuesday 8am - 4pm Wednesday 8am - 4pm Thursday 8am - 4pm Friday 8am - 4pm

https://www.pikecounty.in.gov/department/index.php?structureid=18

Office of the Pike County Prosecutor, 801 E Main Street, Petersburg, IN (2026)

06/05/2026

June 5, 2026

Re: Lloyd C. Coleman Found Guilty of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon

PETERSBURG, IN – After a two-day jury trial in the Pike Circuit Court, the Honorable Evan C. Biesterveld presiding, a Pike County jury on June 4, 2026 returned a verdict finding Lloyd Christopher Coleman, 59, of 1565 W. County Rd 50 South, Petersburg, guilty of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, a Level 4 Felony under I.C. 35-47-4-5. The jury acquitted Mr. Coleman on a companion count of Possession of Methamphetamine. The case is Pike Circuit Court Cause No. 63C01-2510-F4-000288.

The case was submitted to the jury in bifurcated fashion, with the first phase asking the jury to consider whether Mr. Coleman possessed one or more fi****ms on October 17, 2025, in Pike County, Indiana, in violation of Indiana law. The jury deliberated for slightly less than two hours before returning its verdict that Mr. Coleman did possess one or more fi****ms on that date, and that he was not guilty of possessing methamphetamine. After the verdict, Mr. Coleman waived his right to contest his status as a serious violent felon and admitted to a prior conviction for Dealing in Methamphetamine entered against him in a previous Pike Circuit Court case in February 2005.

The investigation began in October 2025 after Pike County Sheriff's Department Detective Sgt. Scott Arnold obtained a search warrant issued by the Pike Circuit Court authorizing a search of Mr. Coleman's residence at 1565 W. County Rd 50 South, Petersburg. Det. Sgt. Arnold testified at trial that, during the ex*****on of that warrant, officers recovered eight fi****ms from the residence. The State's case at trial included evidence concerning Mr. Coleman's relationship to the residence, his knowledge of and access to the fi****ms recovered, his absence from the property on the day of the search, and statements he made in the days that followed. Det. Arnold and Prosecutor’s Staff, led by Legal Assistant Lisa Johnson, worked tirelessly in the lead up to the trial in uncovering messages and correspondence from Mr. Coleman which were essential to the State’s theory of the case.

A Level 4 Felony under Indiana law is punishable by between 2 and 12 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.00. Sentencing is scheduled before Judge Biesterveld on June 30, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. Coleman is presently serving a sentence out of Pike County of six (6) years on a probation violation from a 2017 Methamphetamine conviction.

The State recognizes the work of Det. Sgt. Scott Arnold of the Pike County Sheriff's Department, who served as the lead investigator, as well as Sheriff Jason McKinney, Chief Deputy Dallas Killian, Deputy Bryce Manning, and Deputy Glenn Landstrom, who assisted in the ex*****on of the search warrant. The State also acknowledges the professional advocacy of defense counsel Ivan A. Arnaez of Evansville, and the careful consideration given to the case by Judge Biesterveld and the Pike County jurors who heard the evidence and returned the verdict.

Darrin E. McDonald
Prosecuting Attorney

06/05/2026

June 5, 2026

Re: Justin L. Nunez Solis, 19, of Sebree, Kentucky, Indicted by Grand Jury for Reckless Homicide and Causing Death While Never Licensed

PETERSBURG, IN – A Pike County Grand Jury convened on June 1 and 2, 2026, and returned True Bills on two indictments against Justin L. Nunez Solis, 19, of Sebree, Kentucky, arising out of a fatal crash on State Road 57 in Pike County on March 3, 2026.

The crash was a nearly head-on collision between two vehicles, each carrying only its driver. A 17-year-old driver who was traveling on State Road 57 died at the scene. Nunez Solis was taken to a hospital in Evansville and released the following day.

The Grand Jury heard from seven witnesses over the two days. Among them, Indiana State Police Sergeant Kylen Compton testified to his reconstruction of the crash, which he built from observations and photographs of the scene and from data recovered from each vehicle’s event data recorder pursuant to a search warrant. Based on that work, Compton determined that Nunez Solis caused the crash by crossing the center line into the path of the oncoming vehicle.

Indiana State Police Trooper Brayden Angermeier also testified that, just one week before the fatal crash, he had stopped Nunez Solis northbound on the Gibson-Pike County line on I-69. Angermeier discovered on that occasion that Solis held no valid license, citing him for every available violation (non-jailable infractions) and had the vehicle towed. On the day of the fatal crash, Nunez Solis was driving the same vehicle using a different route to work. Angermeier was one of the first responding officers to the tragedy.

The Grand Jury returned True Bills on two indictments, both Level 5 Felonies: Operating a Motor Vehicle Without Ever Having Received a Valid Driver’s License Resulting in Death, I.C. 9-24-18-1(a)(4), and Reckless Homicide, I.C. 35-42-1-5. A Level 5 Felony is punishable by between 1 and 6 years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.

The Honorable Evan C. Biesterveld of the Pike County Circuit Court set bond at $1,000,000, with 10% permitted, meaning Nunez Solis must post $100,000 cash to be released. On June 4, 2026, Nunez Solis was arrested in Webster County, Kentucky, where he remains incarcerated until he can be extradited to Indiana to face these charges.

This case was presented to the Grand Jury by Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sarah Stephens, with the assistance of Legal Assistant and Victims’ Advocate Amy Hook. Our Office thanks the members of the Pike County Grand Jury who devoted their heartfelt attention to this matter.

The Office of the Pike County Prosecutor advises that under our Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and, until such time, all charges are merely allegations and should be considered as such.

Auth: 6/5/2026

Sarah Stephens
Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

06/05/2026

The Petersburg police department is a proud member of the Indiana Internet crimes against children task force. June is internet safety month. Check out the following video to learn more about protecting you and your family.

https://bcove.video/4e6ShMM

06/01/2026

June 1, 2026

Re: Kevin E. Evans, 64, of Jasper and Mary L. Hall, 61, of Washington Charged Following Methamphetamine Seizure

PETERSBURG, IN – The Pike County Prosecutor’s Office has filed felony charges against Kevin E. Evans, 64, of Jasper, Indiana, and Mary L. Hall, 61, of Washington, Indiana, following a traffic stop on May 29, 2026, that resulted in the seizure of approximately 57 grams (two ounces) of suspected methamphetamine and additional controlled substances.

Evans has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony under I.C. 35-48-4-6.1(d)(1); Maintaining a Common Nuisance, a Level 6 Felony under I.C. 35-45-1-5(a)(3)(C); and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated, a Class C Misdemeanor under I.C. 9-30-5-1.

Hall has been charged with Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 6 Felony under I.C. 35-48-4-6.1, with an Enhancing Circumstance under I.C. 35-48-1.1-18(1) based on a prior conviction for Dealing in Methamphetamine, which raises the offense to a Level 5 Felony.

According to the Probable Cause Affidavit, Deputy Kane Osgatharp of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office observed Evans’ vehicle, a 2004 Ford F-150, crossing the white fog line twice and then crossing the yellow centerline on State Road 356 near County Road 900 East. Deputy Osgatharp initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle came to a stop in the Hill’s Auction parking lot on North State Road 257 in Otwell. Evans was the driver; Hall was the passenger.

During the stop, Deputy Osgatharp observed Evans exhibiting signs consistent with drug impairment, including rapid and muttered speech, grinding of teeth, pinpoint pupils, poor balance, and excessive sweating. Evans was unable to satisfactorily complete standardized field sobriety testing. A preliminary breath test returned a result of 0.000, likely ruling out alcohol as the cause of impairment.

Indiana State Police Trooper Gage Cummings responded to the scene with a K9 unit, which conducted a free air sniff around the vehicle and alerted to the odor of narcotics. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed a lunch box in the back seat containing a clear plastic baggie with a white crystal-like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing approximately 57 grams. The lunch box also contained prescription pill bottles, one bearing the name of another individual, which held eleven Clonazepam pills, three Hydrocodone pills, and sixty Oxycodone pills, all prescription-only medications. A roadside oral fluid test administered by ISP Trooper Timothy Sturm tested positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine, and a subsequent chemical test at Daviess Community Hospital confirmed the presence of THC, methamphetamine, and amphetamine in Evans’ system.

During the search, officers also located in Hall’s purse a small container containing a brown powder substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as five loose pills, two Oxycodone and three Hydrocodone, for which Hall had no valid prescription. Hall admitted to officers that the substance was methamphetamine.

A Level 3 Felony carries a potential sentence of three to sixteen years in the Indiana Department of Correction. A Level 5 Felony carries a potential sentence of one to six years. A Level 6 Felony carries a potential sentence of six months to two and one-half years. A Class C Misdemeanor carries a potential sentence of up to sixty days.

The State has filed Motions for Enhanced Bond for Evans; the State has requested bond in the amount of $500,000, 10% permitted, based on his prior felony drug convictions, including a prior conviction for Dealing in Methamphetamine.

This investigation was conducted by Deputy Kane Osgatharp of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Deputy Alyssa Lee of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police Trooper Gage Cummings, and Indiana State Police Trooper Timothy Sturm.

The Office of the Pike County Prosecutor advises that under our Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and, until such time, all charges are merely allegations and should be considered as such.

Auth: 6/1/2026

Darrin E. McDonald
Prosecuting Attorney

05/29/2026

May 29, 2026

Re: Conservation Officer Joe Haywood Discovers Creek Garbage Dump and Secures Full Clean-Up

PETERSBURG, IN – On April 25, 2026, Indiana Department of Natural Resources Conservation Officer Joe Haywood discovered a garbage dump in a Pike County creek near the intersection of 1175 South and 550 East. The creek is a tributary of the Patoka River.

Officer Haywood first attempted to clear the trash himself but was unable to do so given the weight of the garbage in the water. In the meantime, he noted that among the garbage were several clear trash bags, some of which contained addressed envelopes. He used the addresses as a starting point to conduct several investigative interviews until he had identified the individual responsible for the garbage dump.

On May 19, the individual was offered one week to clear the garbage at their own expense in exchange for avoiding a citation for Littering as a Class A Infraction. Officer Haywood, with the assistance of Conservation Officer Roy “Ken” Tincher, personally observed the clean-up, ultimately confirming that all garbage was cleared and properly disposed of within the agreed time.

Our Office commends Officer Haywood for his work. Our waterways are precious natural resources, and proactive policing like this goes a long way to ensuring we protect them, both for ourselves and for future generations of Hoosiers. It’s a good thing to keep in mind this weekend; the nice weather we’re expecting is an opportunity to get out and enjoy the best of the natural world around us. Have a safe weekend, Pike County.

Logan T. Tedrow
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney

05/26/2026

May 26, 2026

Re: Tre’Shawn Leroy Walker, 18, of Evansville, Indiana Charged with Theft – Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Possession of Ma*****na Following Encounter at Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area

PETERSBURG, IN – The Pike County Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Tre’Shawn Leroy Walker, 18, of Evansville, Indiana, in the Pike Circuit Court under Cause No. 63C01-2605-CM-000085. Walker is charged with Theft – Possession of Stolen a Firearm, a Level 5 Felony under I.C. 35-43-4-2, and Possession of Ma*****na, a Class B Misdemeanor under I.C. 35-48-4-11. A Level 5 Felony is punishable by between one and six years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine. A Class B Misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to 180 days of imprisonment and up to a $1,000 fine.

The charges stem from events on May 14, 2026, when Pike County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Glenn Landstrom was on patrol on County Road 150 South and entered the Sugar Ridge Area 1 recreational area. Deputy Landstrom observed two males who, upon seeing his patrol vehicle, quickly stepped off the roadway and retreated into the woods toward the twin lakes. Based on his training and experience, Deputy Landstrom recognized this reaction as consistent with deceptive behavior and initiated a consensual encounter with the two individuals.

During the encounter, Deputy Landstrom identified Walker and a companion, both 18 years old. Neither possessed a valid fishing license. When Deputy Landstrom asked whether they had any weapons, the companion disclosed that he had a pistol in his backpack. Deputy Landstrom retrieved a loaded G***k .40 caliber handgun from the backpack, fitted with a 22-round extended magazine containing six rounds. Walker then confirmed that there was a second handgun in the bag which belonged to him. Deputy Landstrom recovered a Springfield Armory .40 caliber pistol from the backpack. A check through Dispatch revealed that the Springfield Armory handgun had been reported stolen out of Fort Branch, Indiana.

Deputy Briar Meadors arrived on scene and searched the vehicle parked at the boat ramp, where he detected the odor of ma*****na. A probable cause search of the vehicle revealed a ma*****na pre-roll. Both individuals admitted to having smoked ma*****na at the Sugar Ridge area approximately two hours earlier. A 12-gauge shotgun was also recovered from the vehicle. Chief Deputy Dallas Killian was also present during the investigation.

Walker was initially charged with Possession of Ma*****na. When asked about the stolen Springfield Armory pistol, Walker offered a vague account of having purchased it for $200 from an individual he described only generally as being from the Princeton area. Our Office directed Deputy Landstrom and Pike County Sheriff’s Department Detective Sgt. Scott Arnold to conduct a follow-up interview to probe the circumstances of this purchase more closely.

On May 21, 2026, Detective Arnold and Deputy Landstrom interviewed Walker at the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Through careful and persistent questioning, Detective Arnold obtained Walker’s admission that he knew the firearm was stolen at the time he purchased it. Walker admitted that the individual who sold him the gun had obtained it through vehicle break-ins and that the $200 price was well below the weapon’s $400 to $500 value. Based on this admission, the State filed a motion to add the Level 5 Felony charge of Theft – Possession of a Stolen Firearm, which the Court has granted.

Bail was set at $75,000 with ten percent allowed by the Honorable Evan C. Biesterveld, Judge of the Pike Circuit Court.

This case is an example of good, layered police work. Deputy Landstrom’s alertness and sound instincts during a routine patrol led to the discovery of multiple fi****ms—including a stolen handgun—and illegal drugs at a public recreational area used by families in our community. When the initial explanation for the stolen weapon did not add up, Detective Arnold’s skilled interviewing produced the admission that elevated this case from a misdemeanor to a serious felony. Deputy Meadors and Chief Deputy Killian also provided valuable assistance at the scene. Our office commends the entire team for their work in keeping Pike County safe.

The Office of the Pike County Prosecutor advises that under our Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and, until such time, all charges are merely allegations and should be considered as such.

Auth: 5/22/26

Darrin E. McDonald
Prosecuting Attorney

05/22/2026

May 22, 2026

Re: Martin Ethridge Jr., 38, of Ullin, Illinois Charged with Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Theft in Connection with Motorcycle Theft Ring; Arrest Warrant Issued, Subject at Large

PETERSBURG, IN – The Pike County Prosecutor’s Office has filed felony charges against Martin Ethridge Jr., 38, of Ullin, Illinois, in connection with what investigators have identified as an organized motorcycle theft operation spanning multiple counties and two states. Ethridge has been charged with Theft, a Level 6 Felony under I.C. 35-43-4-2, and Conspiracy to Commit Theft, a Level 6 Felony under I.C. 35-41-5-2, in the Pike Circuit Court under Cause No. 63C01-2605-F6-000124. A Level 6 Felony is punishable by between six months and two and one-half years of imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.

Ethridge is the third individual charged as part of a continuing investigation led by Pike County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Aaron Hadley, with assistance from Detective Sgt. Scott Arnold. The investigation began with charges filed against Charles W. Yearian under Cause No. 63C01-2603-F6-00041 and continued with charges against Trent Edward Tollison under Cause No. 63C01-2605-F6-000117. All three individuals are alleged to have participated in a scheme to steal motorcycles through fraudulent online transactions.

According to the probable cause affidavit filed by Deputy Hadley, the investigation revealed that the operation worked as follows: Co-defendants would identify motorcycles listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. One co-defendant would contact the seller, agree to purchase terms, and initiate a payment through a mobile payment application using an account with insufficient funds. After the fraudulent transaction appeared to process, Ethridge and another co-defendant would travel to the seller’s location to physically pick up the motorcycle. The motorcycles were then transported to various locations in Illinois and Missouri and sold.

In the present case, Ethridge and a co-defendant are alleged to have traveled to a residence in Pikeville, Pike County, Indiana, where they loaded a silver and grey Harley Davidson motorcycle onto a trailer and departed with it. The motorcycle was subsequently sold. Despite repeated requests from law enforcement, the motorcycle has not been recovered. Investigators believe Ethridge participated in approximately eight to ten similar motorcycle thefts.

Ethridge’s identity was confirmed through Mirandized statements from both co-defendants, identification by the victim, Ethridge’s own admissions during a recorded phone conversation with Deputy Hadley, and records obtained from the Pulaski County, Illinois Sheriff’s Department.

On May 21, 2026, the Honorable Evan C. Biesterveld, Judge of the Pike Circuit Court, issued an arrest warrant for Martin Ethridge Jr. Bail has been set at $30,000 with ten percent allowed.

Martin Ethridge Jr. remains at large. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is encouraged to contact the Pike County Sheriff’s Department at (812) 354-8840.

Our office commends Deputy Aaron Hadley for his outstanding and determined work on this investigation. What began as a single theft report has, through Deputy Hadley’s persistent efforts, developed into a multi-defendant prosecution that has uncovered an organized theft operation affecting victims across the region. Deputy Hadley’s thorough investigative work—from conducting Mirandized interviews of multiple witnesses, to coordinating with law enforcement in Illinois, to making direct contact with the suspect—reflects the caliber of law enforcement Pike County is fortunate to have. Detective Sgt. Scott Arnold also deserves recognition for his assistance throughout this investigation.

The Office of the Pike County Prosecutor advises that under our Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and, until such time, all charges are merely allegations and should be considered as such.

Auth: 5/22/2026

Darrin E. McDonald
Prosecuting Attorney

05/18/2026

May 18, 2026

Re: Bonita Kay Wiscaver, 60, of Petersburg, Sentenced to Twenty Years for Dealing in Methamphetamine

PETERSBURG, IN – On May 18, 2026, Pike Circuit Court Judge Evan C. Biesterveld sentenced Bonita Kay Wiscaver, 60, of Petersburg, Indiana, to twenty (20) years in the Indiana Department of Correction on Count 1, Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Level 2 Felony, in Cause 63C01-2507-F2-000200. The Court vacated the conviction on Count 2, Possession of Methamphetamine, a Level 3 Felony, finding it to be an included offense of the dealing conviction. On Count 3, Maintaining a Common Nuisance, a Level 6 Felony, the Court imposed a sentence of two and one-half (2.5) years, to run concurrent with the sentence on Count 1.

In imposing the sentence, Judge Biesterveld found two aggravating circumstances: first, that Ms. Wiscaver has a criminal history consisting of two prior felony convictions and six misdemeanor convictions; and second, that prior lenient treatment had not deterred her criminal behavior, noting that she had been placed on probation three times with one prior revocation. The Court stated that it would permit Ms. Wiscaver to enroll in Purposeful Incarceration at the Department of Correction, provided that she first serve the minimum nonsuspendable portion of her sentence — a term of ten (10) years — as required under Indiana Code 35-50-2-2 due to her prior felony convictions.

At the sentencing hearing, Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Sarah Stephens requested a lengthy prison term, arguing that Ms. Wiscaver’s own admissions established a pattern of methamphetamine use and distribution stretching back to at least age fifteen — a history spanning more than four decades. Pike County Sheriff’s Department Detective Sgt. Scott Arnold testified that the dealing activity took place on property that abuts Petersburg Elementary School, creating an enhanced danger to children in the area.

Defense counsel Steven P. Teverbaugh asked the Court to place Ms. Wiscaver on probation, arguing that a prison sentence would effectively amount to a life sentence for his client given her age and health.

As previously reported, a Pike County jury found Ms. Wiscaver guilty on all three counts on April 23, 2026, following a trial. The charges arose from the ex*****on of a search warrant on July 9, 2025, at 1811 East Alford Street in Petersburg. Inside a camper located at the rear of the property, law enforcement located approximately 9.5 grams of crystal methamphetamine divided into three separate baggies in Ms. Wiscaver’s purse. The following day, she provided a recorded statement to Det. Sgt. Arnold in which she acknowledged purchasing and redistributing methamphetamine within the community.

A Level 2 Felony is punishable by a sentence of between 10 and 30 years imprisonment. A Level 6 Felony is punishable by between 6 months and 2 and ½ years imprisonment, and up to a $10,000 fine.

The investigation was led by Det. Sgt. Scott Arnold of the Pike County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from Chief Deputy Dallas Killian, Deputy Briar Meadors, Deputy Kane Osgatharp, Deputy Glenn Landstrom, and Indiana State Police Detective Toni Walden and Trooper Jack Fischer.

Auth: 5/18/2026

Darrin E. McDonald
Prosecuting Attorney

05/12/2026

May 12, 2026

Re: Timothy Joseph Stelling, 35, of Petersburg Charged with Possession of Methamphetamine and Maintaining a Common Nuisance

PETERSBURG, IN – The Pike County Prosecutor’s Office today filed felony charges against Timothy Joseph Stelling, 35, of Petersburg, Indiana, for Possession of Firearm by Prohibited Person, a level 4 Felony, Dealing in Methamphetamine, a Level 5 Felony, and Maintaining a Common Nuisance — Controlled Substances, a Level 6 Felony. A Habitual Offender sentencing enhancement has also been filed.

The charges arise from an investigation by Detective Scott Arnold of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. On May 10, 2026, Detective Arnold received a report regarding erratic shooting in proximity to a residence off of County Road 125 in the Glezen area. Further investigation determined that the shooting emanated from a camper inhabited by Stelling, who was determined to be on parole and ineligible to possess fi****ms based on past felony convictions. On May 11, 2026, Chief Deputy Dallas Killian of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office observed Stelling commit a traffic violation and conducted a traffic stop on State Road 57 near the Gibson County line and notified Det. Arnold. Thereafter, the two of them Mirandized Stelling who told them he had thrown the pistol that he had been shooting “in the river” but also consented to a search of his camper.

A subsequent search of Stelling’s camper yielded suspected methamphetamine, multiple glass smoking devices, and pistol ammunition. According to the probable cause affidavit, after Stelling was Mirandized he admitted to selling methamphetamine to persons in small amounts so that he could support his living expenses. Stelling was arrested and booked into the Pike County Jail.

The State of Indiana has filed a Motion for Enhanced Bond citing Stelling’s convictions for Battery Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, Domestic Battery, Possession of an Altered Firearm, Operating While Intoxicated, and Theft.

A Level 4 Felony carries a sentencing range of 2 to 12 years imprisonment. A Level 6 Felony carries a sentencing range of 6 months to 2.5 years. The Habitual Offender enhancement, if proven, provides for an additional fixed term of imprisonment of between 6 and 20 years.

The Office of the Pike County Prosecutor advises that under our Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and, until such time, all charges are merely allegations and should be considered as such.

Darrin E. McDonald
Prosecuting Attorney

05/12/2026

May 12, 2026

Re: Jason W. Potts, 52, of Petersburg Charged with Five Counts of Possession of Child Po*******hy; Alleged Repeat Sexual Offender

PETERSBURG, IN – The Office of the Pike County Prosecuting Attorney announces that on May 11, 2026, the State of Indiana filed five (5) counts of Possession of Child Po*******hy against Jason W. Potts, 52, of Petersburg, Indiana, each a Level 5 Felony. The State has also filed an allegation that Potts is a Repeat Sexual Offender pursuant to I.C. 35-50-2-14.

The charges arise from the forensic examination of a cellular telephone seized from Potts during a prior arrest in April for Child Solicitation. According to a probable cause affidavit, Sergeant Paul Collier of the Petersburg Police Department submitted two cellular telephones belonging to Potts to the Knox County High Tech Crime Unit for forensic analysis. Collier further reported to the Court that investigators identified five videos on one of the devices allegedly depicting the sexual abuse of prepubescent children who appear to be under twelve (12) years of age. One of the five videos additionally was alleged to depict sexual conduct involving a child and a dog. The forensic analysis verified that the videos were uploaded to Potts’s device on separate dates between December 2025 and April 2026, establishing each as a separate incident.

Four of the five counts are charged under I.C. 35-42-4-4(d)(1)(F), which elevates the offense to a Level 5 Felony when the depicted child is less than twelve (12) years of age. The fifth count is charged under statute specifically addressing be******ty, which elevates the offense to a Level 5 Felony when proven beyond reasonable doubt. A Level 5 Felony is punishable by between one (1) and six (6) years imprisonment and up to a $10,000 fine.

The State has additionally alleged that Potts is a Repeat Sexual Offender under I.C. 35-50-2-14, based upon a prior conviction in Pike Circuit Court for Vicarious Sexual Gratification, I.C. 35-42-4-5(a)(1), a Level 4 Felony, for which Potts was sentenced to the Indiana Department of Correction in 2022. If found to be a Repeat Sexual Offender, the Court may impose an additional fixed term of imprisonment of up to three (3) years.

Potts is currently being held at the Pike County Security Center. The investigation was conducted by Sergeant Paul Collier of the Petersburg Police Department, with forensic analysis provided by the Knox County High Tech Crime Unit.

The Pike County Prosecutor’s Office recognizes Sergeant Collier and the Knox County High Tech Crime Unit for their outstanding work in this case!

The Office of the Pike County Prosecutor advises that under our Constitution, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law and, until such time, all charges are merely allegations and should be considered as such.
Auth: 5/12/26

Darrin E. McDonald
Prosecuting Attorney

Office of the Pike County Prosecutor

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

06/05/2026

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

05/26/2026

05/22/2026

05/18/2026

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	8am - 4pm
Tuesday	8am - 4pm
Wednesday	8am - 4pm
Thursday	8am - 4pm
Friday	8am - 4pm