MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office is to seek truth and justice. The Prosecutor and his deputies are advocates for the people of Vanderburgh County and the State of Indiana. They aggressively prosecute the guilty while ensuring the innocent are not wrongly convicted or oppressed. ABOUT THE OFFICE The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office is charged with the responsibility of representing the State of Indiana in all felony and misdemeanor criminal prosecutions resulting from crimes committed within Vanderburgh County, Indiana. In addition, the Vanderbrugh County Prosecutor’s Office conducts criminal investigations, supervises Grand Jury proceedings, enforces child support orders entered in divorce and paternity cases, conducts juvenile adjudications and prosecutions, and provides information and assistance to the victims of crime. In 2007, 2581 felony cases, 8439 misdemeanor cases, 22,283 infraction cases, and 660 juvenile cases were filed by the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office. In addition, 15,317 active cases were handled by the Child Support Division, resulting in collections of over $16 million. Also, 3087 bad checks were received and processed, resulting in collections of $67,556.95. OFFICE HOURS The Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office is open Monday through Friday (excluding holidays) from 8:00 - 4:30. The main switchboard phone number is (812) 435-5150. The Prosecuting Attorney, Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys and Investigators of the Prosecuting Attorney are law enforcement officers under Indiana Law. ADULT PROTECTIVE SERVICES Adult Protective Services is a specialized unit of investigators whose duty is to protect endangered adults from abuse. APS investigations may result in criminal charges being filed. The APS program is located in the Vanderburgh County Prosecutor’s Office but also serves Warrick, Posey, Knox, Spencer, Gibson and Perry Counties. Contact Gayle Angle, APS Director at (812) 435-5190. CHILD SUPPORT DIVISION The child support division is responsible for the enforcement of child support orders in divorce and paternity cases. In appropriate cases, blood tests are performed and paternity actions are filed. Contact Matt Keppler, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, at (812) 435-5326. CHECK DECEPTION Local merchants and private individuals in receipt of checks returned for insufficient funds or on a closed account are provided direction and assistance for collection. In the event payment is not received after notice, criminal charges may be filed. Contact the Bad Check Restitution Program at 1-866-909-9131 for a crime report or go to our website at www.checkprogram.com/vanderburghcountyin. CRIMINAL DIVISION The Criminal Division handles felony and misdemeanor prosecutions which includes everything from conversion to capital murder. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROSECUTOR Established in 1997 as part of the Violence Against Women Act, the Domestic Violence Prosecutor’s mission is to handle all domestic violence cases in both misdemeanor and felony courts. Contact Neil Thomas, Domestic Violence Deputy Prosecutor, at (812) 435-5150. DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM Established in 1988, DLEP is staffed by three deputy prosecutors and one legal secretary. DLEP is part of the Vanderburgh County Multi-Agency Narcotics Task Force. This task force includes officers from the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Department and the Evansville Police Department who specialize in the investigation and prosecution of crimes relating to controlled substances and illegal drugs. Contact Dan Miller at (812) 435-5150. INFRACTION DEFERRAL PROGRAM Established in 1997, the purpose of this voluntary program is to allow motorists who have a good driving record to maintain that record. Contact Robyn Mastison at (812) 435-5980. INVESTIGATIVE DIVISION This unit is comprised of four investigators who receive and follow up on criminal complaints made by the public which are not handled by local law enforcement agencies. Criminal charges may arise from these complaints. Contact Susie Mattingly, Chief Investigator, at (812) 435-5150. JUVENILE DIVISION Indiana Law generally requires that crimes committed by those under the age of eighteen years to be treated separately from adults. A child under eighteen years of age who commits a crime or is considered truant, runaway, incorrigible, or has committed a delinquent act may have a delinquency petition filed in Juvenile Court. Contact Bob Carithers, Juvenile Deputy, at (812) 435-5150. PRE-TRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM The Pre-trial Diversion Program was established to allow misdemeanor offenders who have no criminal record an opportunity to keep their records clear. Requirements to successfully complete PTD normally include staying free of additional charges, doing community service, and enrolling and completing counseling. Contact Angela Watson, Program Director, at (812) 435-5336. VICTIM/WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The Victim/Witness Assistance Program serves as an advocate for victims - keeping them informed on the progress of their cases through the criminal justice system, assisting in the application for crime victim compensation and acting as a liaison with other social service agencies. Contact Natalie Vaughan, Victim’s Assistance Director, at (812) 435-5158.