Benjamin Jackson-Courtesy-Indiana State Police
COLUMBUS, Ind. – Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Holden-Kay today, Tuesday, July 22, formally charged Benjamin Jackson, 56, former Columbus Township Trustee, with nine counts of Theft and nine counts of Official Misconduct.
He was taken into custody, incarcerated at Bartholomew County Jail, and will soon face an initial appearance in the Bartholomew County Circuit Court.
Jackson resigned from his position after the Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation in November 2024 into irregularities involving township finances, including credit card purchases.
The Indiana State Board of Accounts published a special investigation report in May, documenting $1,123,334.27 in personal expenses paid for with credit cards for Columbus Township. Read that May 27 Local News Digital story here.
Although the case was filed in Bartholomew County Circuit Court, the Honorable Judge Kelly Benjamin has recused herself, and the matter is awaiting assignment of a Special Judge.
The filing of a criminal charge is an allegation and not evidence of guilt. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
Indiana Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit the prosecutor from further commenting on the case.
