Gov. Braun, Indiana State Police Tout Major Public Safety Successes in Southeast Indiana

Achievements included solving decades-old cold cases, dismantling drug trafficking organizations, and removing dangerous criminals

Photo provided.

(Versailles, Ind.) - Governor Mike Braun joined Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott in southeast Indiana today to recognize the major public safety achievements of Versailles District troopers this year, including solving decades-old cold cases, dismantling drug trafficking organizations, and removing dangerous criminals from Indiana communities.

“Our Indiana State Police are relentless in their pursuit of justice, whether that means solving crimes that have gone unanswered for decades or dismantling the drug trafficking organizations bringing dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said Gov. Braun. “The work being done by the Versailles District reflects the professionalism, persistence and commitment to public safety that Hoosiers see from law enforcement across our state.”

During the visit, Gov. Braun received a briefing from district leadership on major enforcement efforts across the region, including narcotics investigations, border security enforcement, and significant investigative breakthroughs.

Recent public safety successes include:

• Armed with the strength of the investigation details, prosecutors were able to aggressively pursue cases against those arrested. Judges collectively ordered 251 years executed to the Indiana Department of Corrections for those convicted.
• Aggressive drug enforcement operations initiated more than 30 new cases, executed dozens of search warrants and controlled buys, filed charges against 39 defendants, and removed nearly 10 pounds of narcotics, five illegal firearms and thousands of dollars in suspected drug proceeds from Indiana communities.
• Major investigative breakthroughs, including solving the 44-year-old murder of Clifford Smith in Jackson County, clearing a 15-year-old Jefferson County sexual assault case, and identifying the true suspect in a Jefferson County homicide after investigators uncovered evidence that corrected an initial wrongful arrest.

Gov. Braun said these accomplishments demonstrate his administration’s commitment to supporting law enforcement and ensuring Indiana remains aggressive in disrupting criminal organizations, solving violent crimes, and keeping Hoosier communities safe.