Articles by Chuck Ledbetter

CHPD News January 1, 2026

CHPD 2025 Year in Review Report

Thank you for taking the time to read Charlestown Police Department’s end of the year report. This report was generated for our supportive community keeping our promise to be transparent and accountable to those we serve. As we close out another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tireless dedication, professionalism, and resilience of the men and women of the Charlestown Police Department. This year, like every year, presented us with challenges, but it also showcased the remarkable strength and commitment of our officers in protecting and serving our community, Chief Eric Kruse. CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING GRAPHIC TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD OUR 2025 END OF YEAR REPORT Additional Related article summarizing 2025 Criminal Arrests/Charges by CHPD: https://www.ctownpd.com/chpd-2025-criminal-charges-arrest-summary-report/

CHPD News July 7, 2025

CHPD Arrests Suspect in Multi-State Fraud Scheme Targeting Elderly Victims

The Charlestown Police Department has arrested a man involved in a widespread scam that targeted elderly citizens in several states and resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses.  On May 5, 2025, an elderly Charlestown resident was tricked into withdrawing $27,000 from his retirement account and handing it over to a man who came to his home. The suspect took the money and left. Charlestown Detectives—Detective Sergeant Trey Crace and Detective Major Jason Broady—launched an immediate investigation. They identified the suspect as Jia Hua Liu, 36, a Canadian citizen who entered the U.S. in April.  As the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered that Liu was connected to similar fraud cases in Indiana, Ohio, New Mexico, and Tennessee, with total losses estimated at over $309,000. Police also identified three more elderly individuals—in Indiana, Kentucky, and Michigan—who were nearly victimized. In these cases, concerned family members intervened just in time, preventing…

CHPD News January 3, 2025

CHPD 2024 Year in Review Report

Thank you for taking the time to read Charlestown Police Department’s end of the year report. This report was generated for our supportive community keeping our promise to be transparent and accountable to those we serve. As we close out another year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the tireless dedication, professionalism, and resilience of the men and women of the Charlestown Police Department. This year, like every year, presented us with challenges, but it also showcased the remarkable strength and commitment of our officers in protecting and serving our community, Chief Eric Kruse. CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING GRAPHIC TO VIEW OR DOWNLOAD OUR 2024 END OF YEAR REPORT

CHPD News December 31, 2024

Call 2-1-1 to find Local Warming Centers During Winter Weather

From the Indiana Department of Family and Social Services Administration:  With winter approaching, warming centers will be open across the state for those in need of a safe and warm place to stay. Indiana 211 is your community’s resource for updated locations and hours of warmings centers in your area. To find current warming centers click here. Please partner with Indiana 211, a division of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, to make help make Hoosiers aware that they can call 211 or 866-211-9966, or visit IN211.org, to find their nearest warming center. We ask you to share the information below on your social media channels to ensure the public is aware help is available. You are also encouraged to like and follow Indiana 211’s social media pages to stay aware of critical information that may affect your community. Report or add a warming center by contacting Indiana 211’s resource…