He Just Won't Let Victim Be; Luke Sentenced To 7 1/2 Years

Billy Luke, a regular in Dearborn County court, has been sentenced for mailing threatening letters to victims of his past criminal behavior.

Billy G. Luke. Photo by Dearborn County Sheriff's Office.

Correction: Billy Luke was not acquitted of any counts he faced. One felony stalking charge was reduced to misdemeanor Invasion of Privacy. The Harassment conviction was dismissed prior to sentencing, as Prosecutor Lynn Deddens says that decision was made to preclude sentencing issues. The following story reflects the corrected information.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - A new prison sentence has been given to a man who sent prison letters to the victim of his previous crimes.

Billy Luke, formerly of Dillsboro, was sent to prison in 2014 for making threats against a woman who he had previously been convicted of flashing his nude body. While in a state prison, he sent nine letters through the mail to the victim between 2016 and 2018. In those disturbing letters, he made vulgar suggestions and threats.

The 33-year-old was convicted by a Dearborn County jury this past July of three counts of Stalking (level 6 felony) and single counts of Harassment (class B misdemeanor), Invasion of Privacy (level 6 felony), and Attempted Stalking (level 5 felony).

Last week, Dearborn Circuit Court Judge James D. Humphrey sentenced Luke to seven years and 175 days in prison. That’s the maximum allowed as the 2 1/2-years for each of the three level 6 felony counts will be served consecutively. Luke was given 132 good time days credit for time served.

Luke has again been ordered to have no contact with the victim, but has refused to sign that order, according to court records.

Luke filed a pro se request for a copy of the victim’s impact statement, which was considered by the judge in ordering the sentence. Humphrey has denied that request.

Victims of Luke’s continued harassment may rest a little easier knowing he will be behind bars for at least a few more years. The Indiana Department of Corrections lists his new projected prison release date as March 13, 2023.

Dearborn-Ohio County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens is also vowing to dissuade Luke from placing victims in fear.

“My office will continue to prosecute Mr. Luke if he persists in stalking, intimidating and harassing the victim from the Department of Corrections. He behavior has not and will not be tolerated,” said Deddens.

An attorney has been appointed for Luke’s appeal of his latest conviction and sentence.

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