A multi-state warrant sweep, named ‘Operation Rusty Cherub’, netted 13 arrests including a Scottsburg man last Wednesday, Oct. 21, according to ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles. The arrests stemmed from a July 4 altercation in Madison during the Madison Regatta involving members of the Iron Horsemen and Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Organizations.
The investigation and warrant sweep, led by Detective Tim Denby, Indiana State Police-Special Investigations Section, involved a coordinated effort between multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Virginia.
The investigation began on July 4, shortly after 3 pm, when members of the Iron Horsemen Outlaw Motorcycle Organization and Hells Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Organization encountered each other inside of Shipley’s Tavern, located on West Street in downtown Madison, The altercation that ensued led to multiple individuals receiving injuries. Damage to property also occurred inside Shipley’s Tavern.
The Madison Police Department originally responded to the incident. Due to the scope of the investigation, the Indiana State Police-Special Investigations Section soon assumed the lead in the investigation, which led to charges being filed in the Jefferson Superior Court. The investigation culminated in 11 suspects in the tri-state area being arrested on multiple criminal charges and multiple search warrants being served before daybreak last Wednesday. Two additional suspects were arrested by the US Marshal’s Service in Richmond, Virginia.
Arrested were:
•Christopher Michael Moore, 45, of Scottsburg charged with corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with deadly weapon. He is being held on a $25,000 cash only bond in Jefferson county Jail.
•Colton W. Griffin, 37, of Milton, KY charged with corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, disorderly conduct.
•Elizabeth A. Whelan, 36, Rising Sun, charged with corrupt business influence, battery with deadly weapon, disorderly conduct.
•Jacob B. Barkalow, 29, Dry Ridge, KY charged with corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, disorderly conduct.
•Toby L. Jones, 39, North Vernon, charged with corrupt business influence, battery (2 counts), disorderly conduct.
•Crystal A. Melcher, 48, Sellersburg, charged with corrupt business influence, attempted obstruction of justice, attempted battery (2 counts), attempted battery by bodily waste, disorderly conduct.
•Michael D. Melcher, 53, Sellersburg, charged with corrupt business influence, battery (2 counts), disorderly conduct.
•Owen A. Dumford, 22, Richmond, charged with corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with deadly weapon.
•Tyler L. Cole, 28, Mount Orab, OH charged with corrupt business influence, battery with deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, intimidation, battery, criminal vandalism, disorderly conduct.
•Toby W. Hughes, 47, Rising Sun, charged with corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with deadly weapon,battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, disorderly conduct.
•Jason D. Stowers, 47, Frankfort, KY charged with corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with deadly weapon, battery, attempted battery, disorderly conduct.
•Robert M. Stagge, 37, Cincinnati, OH charged with corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, disorderly conduct.
•Cole M. Hoffman, 27, Crittenden, KY charged with corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with deadly weapon.
The arrests and search warrants that were served early this morning have led to additional search warrants and possible additional local charges. In total, search warrants were served at 18 separate locations in the tri-state area this morning.
Jefferson County Indiana Prosecutor David Sutter said, “In one of our community’s busiest and most exciting weekends of the year, individuals from these two organizations chose to engage in criminal activity and cause chaos among law abiding citizens who wanted to enjoy what Madison has to offer. I commend the Indiana State Police and all cooperating law enforcement agencies for their efforts in pursuing those engaging in this criminal activity to make our community a safe and enjoyable place.”
Multiple investigative techniques were used during the course of the three-month long investigation including the use of Flock cameras to identify and locate suspects in this case, according to Sgt. Wheeles.
