Vigo County Prosecutor's Office

11/02/2026

Larry Norris sentenced to 16 years for Aggravated Battery resulting in the death of Robert Gibson

On October 8, 2025, Larry Norris struck and knocked down 73 year old Robert Gibson. Gibson died four days later as a result of the injuries. The defendant was charged with Aggravated Battery, Involuntary Manslaughter and other lesser charges. Norris was found guilty of all charges by a Vigo County Jury in August, 2026. After hearing arguments from both sides, Vigo Superior Court, Division 3 Judge Sarah Mullican sentenced Norris to a 16 year sentence, ten years in prison followed by six years probation. Deputy Prosecutors Jared Modesitt and Samuel Pollack represented the State at trial. Vigo County Sheriff’s Detective Derek DeHart was the lead investigator on the case.

“While Mr. Norris may not have intended to kill Robert Gibson, he has been held responsible for setting the chain of events in motion that resulted in his death.” Said Prosecutor Terry Modesitt. “We will continue to prosecute these violent offenders as much as the facts and law allows. And I would like to thank our first responders that were crucial in obtaining these verdicts and justice for the family of Robert Gibson.”

10/30/2026

Additional Release Regarding Stabbing Investigation

The Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office and the Vigo County Sheriff’s Department continue to work closely on the investigation into the stabbing incident involving three injured people from October 29, 2026. Two of the individuals were treated and released. One individual remained hospitalized overnight. Members of both offices worked together deep into the night to unravel a complex set of statements and crime scenes. Because further investigation was determined to be necessary, no person was arrested, and no charging decisions have been made at this time.

Due to the conflicting stories presented by the injured persons, detectives, deputies and evidence technicians worked throughout the night to collect and process evidence, interview witnesses and persons of interest, and consult with the Prosecutor’s Office. This investigation is continuing and the offices will continue to work together to determine what arrests are to be made and what charges are appropriate.

This investigation is another example of these two offices continuously working closely together during critical parts of an investigation and prosecution. The Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office appreciates the Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies, inviting us to work alongside law enforcement and provide legal advice on complex and violent crime investigations such as this one.

Additional information will be provided when available.

Terry Modesitt, Vigo County Prosecuting Attorney

10/03/2026

Congratulations, Max. Well deserved after your many years of serving the Wabash Valley and training the next generations of DNR officers.

This week, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced Governor Mike Braun's appointment of Sergeant Max C. Winchell as the director of the Indiana DNR Division of Law Enforcement.

A veteran Indiana Conservation Officer since 1995, Sgt. Winchell spent 28 years conducting specialized scuba, sonar, recovery and underwater investigative operations on the ICO Scuba Team. He has also served on 12 national wildland fire incidents and three hurricane and flood operations during his tenure.

“Sgt. Winchell has been an asset to the Division of Law Enforcement for many years now, so I’m pleased to see him taking the next step in his career,” said DNR Director Alan Morrison.

Sgt. Winchell will replace current director Col. Steve Hunter on Dec. 1, following Col. Hunter's retirement.

dnr.IN.gov

09/25/2026

Congratulations to this group of newly promoted sergeants. Having worked with each of them on big cases and small over the years, we know they will do great in bringing up the next generation of officers serving our community.

09/16/2026

Over the last 20 years, the recovery community in Vigo County has grown and adapted to meet the needs of those with Substance Use Disorder and to assist all people impacted by addiction. We are thrilled to again sponsor the Wabash Valley Recovery Center for the 2026 Glow Run.

Thank you to everyone in the Recovery Community for the efforts you make to bring love, hope, inspiration and connection to some of the darkest corners of our community.

We would like to thank our first PLATINUM Sponsor of the 7th Annual Blackout Addiction Glow Run 5K - Vigo County Prosecutor's Office

The VCPO has been a huge supporter of WVRC for many years now, beginning with a collaboration that led to our CLEAR Program (Choose Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery). The CLEAR Programs gives 2nd chances to low-level drug offenders who commit to their recovery and a better life for themselves. We are eternally grateful for this program and this partnership, which has allowed us to touch so many lives in such a meaningful way.

You can find out more about the CLEAR Program (and all of our other programs) by visiting our website at https://www.wabashvalleyrecovery.org/programs

We appreciate the Vigo Co. Prosecutor's Office's support of everything we do here at WVRC. 💜

08/06/2026

First Responder's Night at Fairbanks Park. Thanks to our great team from the Vigo County Prosecutor's Office that organized and distributed our "loot" tonight.

Great to see so many from our community out to thank our first responders and gather up some school supplies and other goodies. Thank you, Terre Haute Police Department, for organizing this great event. And to all of the churches and loyal businesses that support this event, we commend you.

07/07/2026

We remember our fallen officer, 𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐆𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐉𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐩𝐡 𝐅𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲.

Det. Greg Ferency was shot and killed outside of the FBI Indianapolis Resident Agency near the intersection of Wabash Court and First Street in Terre Haute at about 2:15 pm.

A subject drove to the gate of the building and threw a Molotov cocktail at it. The man then confronted Det. Ferency and shot him as he came out of the building. Despite being wounded, Det. Ferency was able to return fire. An FBI agent also rushed outside and shot the subject, who then drove himself to a local hospital, where he was taken into custody.

The subject was subsequently charged with the murder of a federal agent.
Det. Ferency was 53 years old and served with the Terre Haute Police Department for 30 years. He was assigned to the FBI Task Force and is survived by his two children, parents, and sister.

Det. Ferency was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor and the Wounded in Combat medal by Terre Haute Police Department. He was also posthumously awarded an FBI Special Agent badge by the director of the FBI. In November 2021, the FBI Memorial Star was presented to Det. Ferency's children. The FBI Memorial Star is presented to a surviving relative where death has occurred in the line of duty as the direct result of adversarial action.

07/02/2026

Demand Stricter Penalties for Reckless Homicide

06/30/2026

Michael Baker given 10 year sentence for providing substance that killed Josiah Scott

On December 1, 2024, Josiah Scott was walking home with friends when Michael Baker approached and offered a drink of a substance to the group. Josiah Scott, age 12, accepted the substance and took a drink. Baker then took a drink himself. Both collapsed shortly after consuming the substance. When first responders arrived, officers located Baker in possession of a fi***rm. Baker’s criminal history consists of 4 prior misdemeanor convictions out of Illinois and, thus, he was allowed to legally possess a fi***rm. However, this fi***rm had the serial numbers removed, making the possession criminal. Josiah and the defendant were both were hospitalized and transported to Indianapolis for treatment. Days later, Josiah Scott passed away. The Marion County Coroner’s Office later issued a report indicating the cause of death as Undetermined. Baker’s final charges included Possession of an Altered Fi***rm, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Causing Death, and Reckless Homicide – all Level 5 felonies.

Baker pleaded guilty to 2 of the Level 5 felonies – Possession of an Altered Fi***rm and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor Causing Death. Per Indiana law, a Level 5 felony is punishable by a sentence of 1 to 6 years. Double jeopardy prevents Baker from being convicted of both the Reckless Homicide and the Contributing causing Death. By running the sentences consecutively, Baker received a total sentence of 10 years that calls for 4 years in prison, followed by 3 years in the Vigo County Community Corrections residential facility (commonly known as work release) and then 3 years on probation.

Multiple victim impact statements from family and friends were delivered in court, including one from Josiah’s mother, Karah Scott. More than one expressed that the sentence was not long enough, but they had also chosen to forgive the defendant. “In my eyes there will never be enough time in prison to really serve justice for losing my son.” Karah said. While referencing scripture, Karah also expressed “Unlike a lot of people, I choose to forgive you.”

“Our heart is broken for Karah and the family and friends of Josiah.” Prosecutor Terry Modesitt said. “Once again, our laws limit the available penalties for an offender who has recklessly killed someone. I will be the first person to say that justice is not served by this sentence when 12 year old Josiah lost his life; when Karah lost her son. I have already begun working with Senator Greg Goode to again ask our Legislature to increase the penalty for Reckless Homicide.”

In 2014, the Indiana Legislature lowered the penalty for Reckless Homicide and Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death from up to an 8 year sentence down to a maximum 6 year sentence. In 2019, Prosecutor Terry Modesitt, along with a local family, petitioned our Legislature to increase these crimes to at least a Level 4 felony with a maximum sentence of 12 years. The Indiana Legislature later increased OVWI Causing Death to a Level 4 felony. However, Reckless Homicide remains a Level 5 felony.

05/27/2026

We are thankful for the recovery community in Vigo County and the real changes they encourage and support for those with substance use disorder.

Can't wait to see everyone on Saturday night.

We would like to give a big thanks to the Vigo County Prosecutor's Office for being a sponsor of the 6th Annual Recovery Is Beautiful Gala!

In 2022, WVRC launched our CLEAR Program (Choose Law Enforcement Assisted Recovery), in partnership with the Vigo Co. Prosecutor's Office. An individual who is facing a criminal case due to substance use can choose to work with a WVRC peer recovery coach/specialist. If those individual shows substantial progress in their recovery, there is a chance for their case to get lowered or even dismissed completely. 💫
If you or someone you know may benefit from this program and want to know more or see if you're eligible, you can give us a call at 812-917-0068.

We are so grateful for our continued partnership with the Vigo County Prosecutor's Office and everything they do for us and the community. 💜