COLUMBUS, Ind. - The Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office took two individuals into custody for allegations of interfering with pending court proceedings and attempting to influence a witness.
The Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), a partnership among the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, the Columbus Police Department, and the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office, led the investigation.
Detectives supposedly discovered information indicating that Zablin Jai Woodruff tried to influence a witness involved in pending criminal cases.
At the time of the alleged incident, Woodruff was out on bond facing charges in two separate cases, including Level 2 Felony Robbery, Level 3 Felony Kidnapping, Level 3 Felony Criminal Confinement, Level 3 Felony Aggravated Battery, Level 3 Felony Armed Robbery, and Level 5 Felony Aggravated Battery.
As a result of the investigation, Woodruff was preliminarily charged with:
- Obstruction of Justice
- Bribery
- Invasion of Privacy
A second individual, Tracy Smith, who was allegedly present during the incident, was arrested for:
- Obstruction of Justice
- Resisting Law Enforcement
Both individuals were transported to the Bartholomew County Jail, where they remain incarcerated on a 48-hour hold without bond pending the filing of formal charges.
Firearm discovered in Brownstown Elementary School parking lot, two teens arrested
2 North Vernon men arrested for cocaine, marijuana
Columbus transfers ARPA funds to expand CHIP 2.0 housing program
CPD busts pair for drugs; pound of meth seized
Columbus approves student-led senior project community events
