By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
Washington County currently doesn’t have a permanent jail commander because the salary is too low for the level of responsibility the position carries. Sheriff Brent Miller explained the year-long challenge he’s faced filling a vacancy caused by a retirement during the Monday, May 6, meeting of the Washington County Council.
Council President Mark Abbott said he asked Miller to appear before the Council to explain the staffing problems.
“This is something we need to take a good, hard look at,” Abbott said, urging Council members to take quick action.
The jail commander is the third in command at the jail and oversees 17 correction officers as well as the inmates, who currently total more than 150. The jail commander is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the jail, including training new hires, making sure the correction officers meet continuing education requirements, scheduling, record keeping, coordinating inmate transports, and hearing inmate grievances.
Miller said the jail’s correction officers are “a very young, inexperienced staff” that requires supervision to ensure they follow important procedures.
The jail has several inmates who suffer from medical conditions, addiction, and mental health issues, which Miller said makes running the jail more difficult.
Miller said at the current salary of $38,787, the jail commander makes only about $1,400 more than the correction officers he supervises.
A jail commander salary study Miller provided to the Council showed Floyd County with the highest salary of $92,616. The lowest salary was $34,008 in Crawford County. The average salary among the nine counties included in the study was $58,406.
The jail commander’s salary in Washington County, which is included among the counties in the study, ranked second to last just above Crawford County.
While Floyd County has a jail capacity of 330, Crawford County’s capacity is 78. Washington County’s jail capacity is 254 inmates. Although the county could accept inmates from other jails – which would generate some income – Miller said his staffing isn’t adequate to handle more inmates.
Currently, some correction officers have been asked to work 16-hour shifts and to work on scheduled days off.
A road deputy has been temporarily named interim jail commander, but Miller said that won’t last long.
“The public expects me to get a third shift back on the road,” Miller said. “I’m just trying to stop the bleeding now.” Those third-shift patrols ended earlier this year when Miller said he didn’t have enough deputies to cover the shift. The Indiana State Police agreed to help with overnight patrols. Since then, the Council approved a pay increase for deputies.
Miller worries about the liability exposure the county has because of the vacancy in the jail commander’s post.
By Becky Killian, Staff Writer
Officials have adopted a new ordinance that includes a fine of up to $500 plus costs for tractor trailer drivers who use county roads rather than the official detour routes.The Washington County Board of Commissioners recently approved the ordinance, which took effect immediately.
The law aims to discourage tractor trailer drivers from using – and damaging – county roads rather than the state-approved official detours.
The county Highway Department will erect signs along roads where tractor trailer traffic is restricted.
Exceptions to the law include vehicles involved in the maintenance or repair of county infrastructure or trucks being used for pickups, deliveries, or service calls; however, such traffic must be kept to a minimum and drivers must use the shortest, most direct route.
Dr. Rebecca Marshall Honored with the 50-Year Pharmacist Award
Last month, at the Indiana Pharmacy Association’s Annual Meeting, Rebecca Marshall, local pharmacist and pillar of the healthcare community, was awarded the prestigious 50-Year Pharmacist Award in recognition of her unparalleled dedication and contribution to the field of pharmacy.
Dr. Marshall’s remarkable journey began in 1974 when she embarked on her career in pharmacy as a Purdue University graduate, with unwavering determination and a commitment to excellence. Throughout the decades, she has not only served countless patients with compassion and expertise but also played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of pharmaceutical care. She is currently the proud owner, with her husband, of Salem Apothecary.
Her profound impact extends beyond the confines of the pharmacy walls, as Dr. Marshall has been an active advocate for health education and community outreach initiatives. Her tireless efforts have empowered individuals to take charge of their health and well-being, fostering a healthier and more informed community.
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer, and Nancy Grossman, Publisher
Dejaune Anderson, the mother of five-year-old Cairo Ammar Jordon, whose body was found in a suitcase outside of Pekin Apr. 16, 2022, was arraigned in Washington County Circuit Court on Tuesday, Apr. 2. She was charged with three felony charges—murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death and obstruction of justice.
Representing the State of Indiana were Washington County Prosecutor Tara Coats Hunt and Chief Deputy Prosecutor Melissa Campbell. Presiding was Washington County Circuit Court Judge Larry W. Medlock.
Anderson was brought in wearing the typical jail attire of an orange jump suit and shackles. She was read her rights and asked if she had a clear understanding of the charges and possible punishment for her crime. Anderson indicated that she fully understood.
When asked if she was being represented by an attorney, Anderson replied that she intended to represent herself and that she felt she was capable of doing so because she had a masters degree in History.
Judge Medlock informed her that having no law degree, she had to meet certain requirements in order to represent herself: that she conduct herself as a lawyer, abide by the rules of evidence and abide by the rules of procedure.
Anderson insisted that she was capable of representing herself and insisted it was necessary for her to do so because of the nature of her case. She also mentioned that there are things about the evidence of the case “which is q classified, which should be turned over to the Judge Advocate General courts immediately.” She added that her case involves other cases that are open currently with the Judge Advocate General courts, as well as federal investigations that are open.
Judge Medlock replied, “If the Judge Advocate General approaches us, we’ll address it at that point in time.” He asked Anderson if she would like stand-by counsel to be assigned, but she refused the offer. The judge stated that she would have to submit a written request for consideration in allowing her to represent herself in court.
Judge Medlock set a pre-trial conference at 9 a.m. Apr. 25; a trial date of August 6 at 8:30 a.m.; and an omnibus date of June 15.
When the topic of setting a bond was brought up, Prosecutor Hunt asked the court to consider the gravity of the case, the probable cause affidavit the state filed in support of the three charges, and the fact that it took two years to locate the fugitive since her identification was made. In light of these factors, the prosecutor recommended that bond should be set at a high amount that would be difficult, if not impossible, for her to afford.
At that point, Anderson made an objection, claiming that she was not a fugitive and that she had been under NSA surveillance for eight months. She added that “a detail from Space Force” had been following her every move.
Judge Medlock informed Anderson that she did not offer a “valid legal objection.” Anderson responded that she had contacted an Indiana Marshall with her location.
Judge Medlock responded that Detective Matt Busick had contacted the agencies she had mentioned, and none of them could confirm knowledge of her location.
The judge decided that no bond would be set and remanded Anderson to the custody of the Washington County Sheriff’s Department. “If Space Force comes forward and tells me that they’re willing to monitor you, we’ll take up the issue of bond at a later date,” said Medlock.
“Based on what I’ve just heard, I’m going to ask someone from the public defender’s office to be assigned to represent Miss Anderson,” he added.
A press conference was conducted following the arraignment. Those making comments were Prosecutor Hunt and Det. Busick and Sgt. Cary Huls, both with the Sellersburg Post 45 of the Indiana State Police.
Prosecutor Hunt commended the local community stepping up and taking ownership concerning the death of Jordan. Because of the support of the community, the child’s body was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, marked with a headstone.
State police investigation led to the the identities of two suspects, Anderson and Dawn Coleman, by discovering matches of fingerprints found on trash bags inside the suitcase containing Jordan’s body. The evidence led to the arrest of Anderson by United States Marshalls last month in Arcadia, California. Det. Busick flew to California to interrogate Anderson.
Sgt. Huls stated that Anderson was escorted by U.S. Marshalls, accompanied by Indiana State Troopers, back to Washington County. She was delivered into local custody early Sunday morning.
Coleman was arrested in November 2023. She was tried for her connection to Jordan’s death and was sentenced to 30 years in prison, with five years suspended for probation.
If convicted, Anderson could face a sentencing of 45 to 65 years for the murder charge, 20 to 40 years for the charge of neglect of a dependent resulting in death and two-and-a half years for the charge of obstruction of justice.
Staff Photos by Jerry Curry
Dejaune Anderson, the mother of Cairo Ammar Jordon, whose body was found in a suitcase outside of Pekin April 16, 2022, was arrested by U.S. Marshalls in Arcadia, California.
According to Sgt. Carey Huls, Indiana State Police Sellersburg District 45 Information Officer, Anderson has waived extradition back to Indiana and will return no later than Apr. 5. She will probably be escorted by U.S. Marshalls and delivered to the custody of the Washington County Sheriff's Department.
In November 2023, Dawn Coleman, 41, was arrested in connection with Jordan's death and sentenced to 30 years in prision with five years suspended for probation.
Cairo Ammar Jordan's body was discovered in a suitcase by a mushroom hunter. The determined causes of death were vomiting and diarrhea that led to dehydration.
Through the help of the community, he was buried at Crown Hill Cemetery, complete with headstone, on June 1, 2022.
Emergency Responders & City Employees To Get Pay Raise
19 Sep 2024
Officials Review Loan, Rate Increase In Numbers
19 Sep 2024
ICJI: Proper Car Seat Use And Installation Can Make A Life-Saving Difference
18 Sep 2024
Washington County Relay For Life Seeking Volunteers
17 Sep 2024
INDOT To Host Winter Hiring Events
17 Sep 2024
YMCA Seeks Partners For Halloween Candy Trail
16 Sep 2024
Syria Christian Church Members Clean Up Paoli
16 Sep 2024
CAST Must Rely On Local Funding
16 Sep 2024
Governor Holcomb Issues Proclamation For Forensic Science Week
16 Sep 2024
Majority Vote Rezones East Meadow View
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NEW SalemLeader.com Goes Live This Weekend!
13 Sep 2024
Grain Truck Overturns On E. Miller Saw Mill Rd.
11 Sep 2024
10th Annual Historical Cemetery Walk This Friday & Saturday
10 Sep 2024
2024 Presidential Election Public Test Scheduled For September 19th
10 Sep 2024
Two Arrested For Drug Dealing Following Investigation
05 Sep 2024
CAST Offers Two Fund-Raising Events
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Parade To Be September 21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Town-Wide Yard Sale To Be September 20-21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Baking Contest September 21st
05 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Miss Country Girl Pageant On September 12th
05 Sep 2024
Salem Tractor Supply To Host Pet Treat Tasting Event September 7th
05 Sep 2024
Choices Offers Free Resources & Healthcare
05 Sep 2024
Up to $100K in Grants Available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
04 Sep 2024
Paul Humphrey Benefit Ride September 28th
04 Sep 2024
Beer On The Bricks September 28th
03 Sep 2024
Washington County Farmers Market Held Saturday Mornings
03 Sep 2024
Friday Night On The Square Will Be September 20th
03 Sep 2024
The Washington County Chamber of Commerce is hosting Friday Night on the Square on September 20th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. around the Courthouse.
Attendees can expect shop booths, food trucks, and various activities to keep the whole family entertained. Come out to show support for the community!
Beck's Mill Artist Series Session On September 22nd
03 Sep 2024
Campbellsburg Country Festival Will Be September 20-21st
03 Sep 2024
The 2024 Campbellsburg Country Festival is celebrating its 30th year this year! Join fellow community members at the Community Building, located at 21 W Oak St, Campbellsburg, for entertainment, music, a parade, craft & commercial vendors, food, and more. This two-day festival begins September 20th and ends on the 21st.
Southern Indiana Junior Rodeo Association To Host 5th Junior Rodeo September 14th
03 Sep 2024
John Hay Center To Host Author's Fair September 7th
03 Sep 2024
"Baby Box" Available In Salem
03 Sep 2024
He's Unmasked! Scotty Spears Is Batman!
03 Sep 2024
Lisa Krussow's Mission Is To Promote Patriotism
03 Sep 2024
Needs Info For School Song Project
30 Aug 2024
CASI's Festi-Fall Is Oct. 18 In Jeffersonville
30 Aug 2024
Beck's Mill 5K Run/Walk Is September 14
29 Aug 2024
Venison Processing Workshops
29 Aug 2024
Beck's Mill's 216th Birthday Photos
27 Aug 2024
Money And Energy Saving Tips From Duke Energy
27 Aug 2024
Hoosiers Can Dial 2-1-1 To Find Local Cooling Centers This Week
26 Aug 2024
Bad Apple: Walmart Recalls Apple Juice Due To High Arsenic Levels
23 Aug 2024
Drugs On The Streets
23 Aug 2024
Indiana Chamber Water Study Reveals Strong Supply, Need for Future Planning
21 Aug 2024
August Is Child Support Awareness Month
21 Aug 2024
County Blood Drives For September
21 Aug 2024
Washington County Business Recognized by Governor Holcomb
20 Aug 2024
Robbie Henson Memorial Annual Golf Scramble
20 Aug 2024
Lincks To Give Out T-Shirts This Football Season
19 Aug 2024
Salem High School Turf Field Dedicated To Jim Ralston
19 Aug 2024
Ogle Center Announces 2024-25 Season
16 Aug 2024
Indiana Chamber Of Commerce To Hold Press Conference Regarding State Water Supply
16 Aug 2024
Up to $100K in Grants Available from IDEM’s Community Recycling Grant Program
16 Aug 2024
September Is Indiana Archaeology Month
16 Aug 2024
Historic Preservation Fund FY2025 Grant Applications
16 Aug 2024
Preserving Historic Places Conference 2024
16 Aug 2024
Hoosier Janitor "Cleans Up" On America's Got Talent
15 Aug 2024
Free Movie "Elemental" Rescheduled For Aug. 23
15 Aug 2024
DHPA Honors Historic Preservation And Archaeology Standouts
15 Aug 2024
County Supports Extensive Recycling Program
15 Aug 2024
Community Foundation of Southern Indiana Announces 3 New Board Of Directors Members
14 Aug 2024
Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathered At Fairgrounds
14 Aug 2024
Salem Man Arrested for Possession of Child Pornography
14 Aug 2024
Lincks Hosts "Educator Appreciation Night"
14 Aug 2024
Falls Of The Ohio State Park Hosts Digging The Past Event
14 Aug 2024
Livonia Fire & Rescue Yard Sale This Saturday
14 Aug 2024
Salem Speedway Releases Joe James/Pat O’Connor Memorial Event Logo
14 Aug 2024
Three Vehicle Crash With Minor Injuries
14 Aug 2024
INDOT Closure Planned On State Road 250 East
13 Aug 2024
Bridge Dedication For Veterans: Effort Underway
13 Aug 2024
Community Foundation Of Southern Indiana Scholarship Applications Now Available
12 Aug 2024
County Unemployment Rate is 4.1%
09 Aug 2024
The Washington County Economic Growth Partnership announced this week that the unemployment rate in the county is 4.1%, as of June.
For additional information, visit https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/INWSURN#
Over $41,500 Raised Locally For Children's Miracle Network
09 Aug 2024
Indiana To Expand Program For Expectant, New Mothers With Substance-Use Disorders
09 Aug 2024
Falls Of The Ohio Foundation To Host Michael Cleveland & Others For Benefit Concert
08 Aug 2024
Indigenous People Of Tribes Gathering
08 Aug 2024
INDOT To Begin Bridge Projects In Washington County
07 Aug 2024
County Blood Drives For August
07 Aug 2024
Judge Medlock Orders D. Anderson To Psychiatric Facility
07 Aug 2024
Fast Pace Health Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
07 Aug 2024
Plane Lands In Soybean Field
06 Aug 2024
Washington County Sheriff's Department Hosts Drive-Thru Drug Drop
06 Aug 2024
WCCF To Match Grant Donations 3:1
05 Aug 2024
CAST Seeks Sponsors For Fund-Raiser
05 Aug 2024
Please Submit Survey On Pekin July 4th Celebration
05 Aug 2024
$2 Million Provided To Indiana Food Banks Through State Department of Agriculture
05 Aug 2024
Digital Towns 2.0 Grant Applications Due Sept. 13
02 Aug 2024
Public Comments And Public Hearings On Proposed Rule Changes
01 Aug 2024
It’s Natural: Learn About Summer Fish Die-Offs
01 Aug 2024
Celebrate National Shooting Sports Month: Visit A Shooting Range Near You
01 Aug 2024
DNR Restricts Moving Live Wild Deer From Chronic Wasting Disease Positive Areas
01 Aug 2024
Salem Man Arrested For Impersonating A Public Servant
01 Aug 2024
Beck’s Mill 5K Run/Walk Grind XI Anderson-Goode Memorial Race Is Sept. 14
01 Aug 2024
Submit Your Observations To The 2024 Turkey Brood Count Through Aug. 1
31 Jul 2024
IN Dept. of Agriculture Features At State Fair
31 Jul 2024
Temple & Temple Donates To YMCA Building Campaign
31 Jul 2024
Homestretch Gives Students The Support They Need
30 Jul 2024
First Harrison Bank Pledges $50,000 to YMCA's Beth Armstrong- Y For All Capital Campaign
25 Jul 2024
State Fire Marshall's Message To Fire Fighters/EMS
25 Jul 2024
WCCF Awards $2,500 To Junior Achievement
25 Jul 2024
Vehicle Pursuit Sends Three To Area Hospital And One To Jail
25 Jul 2024
Timber Cleghorn Gives Personal History And Experiences Appearing On "Alone"
25 Jul 2024
Permit Numbers Up 23% In 2024 For Indiana
25 Jul 2024
Hardinsburg Man Charged With Child Molestation And Related Crimes
22 Jul 2024
Delaney Creek Park Traffic Creates Frustration, Record Profit
22 Jul 2024
“The Wizard of Oz” Comes to Washington County
19 Jul 2024
IDHS Requesting Volunteers To Participate In PFAS Testing Pilot Program
18 Jul 2024
Plans Revealed For Monon South Trail
18 Jul 2024
Free Family Movie Night Planned Aug. 2
16 Jul 2024
NLRB Overrules Metal Powder Products' Election Objections, Affirming Workers' Union Victory
16 Jul 2024
Operation Back To School Helps Veteran Families
16 Jul 2024
Conservation Record Broken By Hoosier Farmers And Landowners For Third Year In A Row
16 Jul 2024
Free Movie Night This Friday At Community Park
11 Jul 2024
Washington County Family YMCA Awarded Grant to Continue Substance Free Alternative Events
11 Jul 2024
Indiana Parks Alliance (IPA) Grants Benefit State Parks
10 Jul 2024
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