13 Arrested in 'Operation Rusty Cherub' Sweep Over July 4 Biker Brawl in Madison, Indiana
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Indiana State Police arrested 13 people early Wednesday, October 21, in a multi-state warrant sweep the agency called "Operation Rusty Cherub." The arrests close a three-month investigation into a July 4 fight between members of the Iron Horsemen and Hells Angels motorcycle organizations at a Madison, Indiana tavern.
The fight started shortly after 3 p.m. on July 4 inside Shipley's Tavern on West Street in Madison, while thousands of visitors were in town for the Madison Regatta. Police say the brawl left several people injured and damaged the inside of the bar. Madison police responded first, but the Indiana State Police Special Investigations Section took over the case because of its scope, and charges were filed in Jefferson County Superior Court.
Eleven of the suspects were arrested Wednesday morning in the Indiana-Ohio-Kentucky tri-state area. Two more were arrested in Richmond, Virginia, by the U.S. Marshals Service. Search warrants were served at 18 locations, and police say the arrests led to additional search warrants and possible additional local charges. ISP Sgt. Stephen Wheeles said the three-month investigation used Flock license plate cameras to help identify and locate suspects.
Every person arrested is charged with corrupt business influence, a Level 5 felony, along with various battery counts and disorderly conduct. Tyler Cole of Mount Orab, Ohio faces the longest list, including battery with a deadly weapon, intimidation, and criminal vandalism. Crystal Melcher of Sellersburg, Indiana is also charged with attempted obstruction of justice and attempted battery by bodily waste.
Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter said in a statement that the fight happened on one of the community's busiest weekends of the year, while law-abiding citizens were trying to enjoy what Madison has to offer.
Those arrested, per Indiana State Police:
- Colton W. Griffin, 37, Milton, Kentucky: corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, disorderly conduct
- Elizabeth A. Whelan, 36, Rising Sun, Indiana: corrupt business influence, battery with a deadly weapon, disorderly conduct
- Toby W. Hughes, 47, Rising Sun, Indiana: corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, disorderly conduct
- Jacob B. Barkalow, 29, Dry Ridge, Kentucky: corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, disorderly conduct
- Toby L. Jones, 39, North Vernon, Indiana: corrupt business influence, battery (2 counts), disorderly conduct
- Crystal A. Melcher, 48, Sellersburg, Indiana: corrupt business influence, attempted obstruction of justice, attempted battery (2 counts), attempted battery by bodily waste, disorderly conduct
- Michael D. Melcher, 53, Sellersburg, Indiana: corrupt business influence, battery (2 counts), disorderly conduct
- Owen A. Dumford, 22, Richmond, Indiana: corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon
- Tyler L. Cole, 28, Mount Orab, Ohio: corrupt business influence, battery with a deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, intimidation, battery, criminal vandalism, disorderly conduct
- Jason D. Stowers, 47, Frankfort, Kentucky: corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon, battery, attempted battery, disorderly conduct
- Robert M. Stagge, 37, Cincinnati, Ohio: corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon, battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, disorderly conduct
- Cole M. Hoffman, 27, Crittenden, Kentucky: corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon
- Christopher M. Moore, 45, Scottsburg, Indiana: corrupt business influence, aiding in battery with a deadly weapon
All 13 are charged, not convicted, and are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The cases are pending in Jefferson County.
