LAWRENCE CO. — November marked a month of intense legal activity and somber goodbyes in Lawrence County, highlighted by a historic drug bust and the passing of two deeply respected community leaders. The month’s news underscored the ongoing fight against drug trafficking and honored the legacy of local figures who built up the community.
Record Meth Seizure Caps Major Drug Investigation
A multi-agency operation, led by the Indiana State Police Drug Enforcement Section (DES) and the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO), culminated in the largest methamphetamine seizure in Lawrence County history in late November. The investigation, which targeted a large-scale distribution network, resulted in the arrest of three individuals on Level 2 Felony dealing charges.
The operation came to a head on November 26 with a high-speed pursuit of a Chevrolet SUV occupied by James Barber, 39, and Terra Barber, 45, both of Ellettsville. During the pursuit, James Barber was seen discarding large quantities of methamphetamine from the vehicle. Over five pounds of meth, along with more than three ounces of cocaine, were recovered from the roadside and the SUV.
Search warrants executed at two Lawrence County locations, including the Springville residence of main suspect John Tegarden, 48, recovered nearly two additional pounds of methamphetamine, over half an ounce of a heroin and fentanyl mixture, and drug paraphernalia.
All three suspects—Tegarden, James Barber, and Terra Barber—were booked into the Lawrence County Jail, facing multiple Level 2 Felony charges.
Lawrence County Sheriff Greg Day praised the investigative teams, stating, “The impact of seizing such a large amount of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin/fentanyl in our rural community cannot be overstated. These investigators and involved officers from multiple agencies have saved lives.”
Casey Brown Found Guilty in February Murder Trial
In a primary judicial outcome, a Lawrence County Superior Court II jury found Casey Brown, 33, guilty of murder, attempted murder, and criminal confinement on Monday, November 24. The verdict stems from a fatal shooting incident that occurred on February 25, 2024, resulting in the death of 21-year-old Kobe Stancombe.
The incident involved a shooting inside a vehicle near Brown’s Fort Ritner Road residence. Brown was also charged with attempting to shoot a third individual, Bradley Harper, and confining him against his will. The case concluded after a four-day trial. Brown is scheduled for sentencing on December 9.
Former County Auditor Pleads Guilty to Official Misconduct
Former Lawrence County Auditor Jessica Staggs pleaded guilty to official misconduct, a Level 6 felony, on November 25. The charge stemmed from her prior role as Clerk-Treasurer for the town of Oolitic between 2014 and 2020.
Appearing before Special Judge Mary Ellen Diekhoff, Staggs was sentenced to 365 days, with all but one day suspended, and was ordered to pay restitution of $124,760.21 to the town of Oolitic. The investigation was initiated after the Indiana State Police and the State Board of Accounts flagged concerns over the handling of town utility funds.
Community Mourns Passing of Beloved Leaders
Lawrence County bade farewell to two prominent figures in November, both leaving behind powerful legacies of community service:
Joseph Walter Elliott (1934–2025): The prominent Bedford businessman, philanthropist, and co-founder of Indiana Steel & Engineering Corp. passed away on November 12 at age 91.
Elliott was a pillar of the local manufacturing community, having served on the Indiana Manufacturers Association Board for decades, including as Chairman.
Locally, he was a founding and lifetime member of the Thornton Memorial Boys Club and received the 2018 Community Service Award from the Bedford Chamber of Commerce. He was also known for his lifelong dedication to basketball, having played at both Indiana University and Purdue, and for competing in the Bedford Men’s City Golf Tournament for 50 consecutive years.
Robert ‘Bob’ E. Lee (1936–2025): The longtime owner of Ferguson-Lee Funeral Home and an influential community fixture passed away on November 11 at age 89.
Bob Lee was a U.S. Army Captain and a dedicated funeral director who expanded compassionate service across the region.
A devoted community volunteer, he served as President of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association and was heavily involved in the Kiwanis Club and Elks. His legacy also includes being the first of three generations in his family to ride in the famous Little 500 race.
He was a legendary IU sports fan and successfully completed the challenging “Great Loop,” a 6,000-mile boating journey.
