(GREENSBURG) – An investigation by Indiana State Police Detectives into the falsification of a handgun purchase application led to four Bartholomew County residents being arrested on numerous charges.
Detectives began the investigation in July when the Indiana State Police were notified that 59-year-old Frank L. Hiatt, of Columbus, had allegedly falsified a handgun purchase application while attempting to buy a handgun from a business in Greensburg.
Police say Hiatt attempted to buy a handgun from the store on June 28. While completing the required paperwork to purchase the gun, authorities say that Hiatt indicated he was not currently under any indictment for felony charges and was not an unlawful user of marijuana or any other controlled substance. Hiatt’s handgun purchase application was denied at the time and he was not able to purchase the gun.
Through the course of the investigation, detectives learned that Hiatt had pending charges in Bartholomew County from March 11 of this year after he was arrested by the Indiana State Police-All Crimes Policing Team on charges of possession of meth, possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance.
A warrant was issued for Hiatt’s arrest. On September 10, troopers from the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post along with deputies from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Department went to Hiatt’s home in the 16000 block of East County Road 265 North.
While at the residence, troopers reported finding meth and drug paraphernalia. Hiatt, along with three other men at the home, were arrested on drug-related charges.
Hiatt was arrested on the original warrant. He is also facing charges of obstruction of justice, maintaining a common nuisance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police also arrested 62-year-old Charles Hiatt, of Columbus, who is facing charges of possession of meth, visiting a common nuisance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Police also arrested 52-year-old Rodney Hiatt, of Columbus, on a charge of maintaining a common nuisance and 53-year-old Johnny Watson, of Hope, on a charge of visiting a common nuisance.
