ISP investigating

A public official in Jay County is the subject of a state police investigation.

Indiana State Police confirmed Wednesday morning that it is investigating a complaint against a public official in the county regarding identity deception.

Jay County prosecutor Wes Schemenaur said Wednesday morning that the investigation stemmed from a resident’s complaint that was brought to Jay County Sheriff’s Office. It then went through his office and a state police investigation was requested.

The state police investigation into “identity deception related activity” began Feb. 1.

Schemenaur said the investigation is regarding a county employee. He noted that he requested a special prosecutor for the case but does not know who has been appointed to that role.

He and the state police declined to provide any further details because the investigation is ongoing.

“As this is an active criminal investigation, for which criminal charges have not yet been determined or filed, there is no further information to be released at this time,” said state police District 22 public information officer Brian K. Walker.

When the investigation is complete, details will be turned over to the special prosecutor for review to determine if criminal charges will be filed.

In Indiana Code, identity deception is committed by an individual who “with intent to harm or defraud another person, knowingly or intentionally obtains, possesses, transfers, or uses identifying information to profess to be another person.” It is typically a Level 6 felony but can be bumped up to a Level 5 felony based on various factors.

A Level 6 felony carries a sentence of six months to 2.5 years — the advisory sentence is one year — and a fine of up to $10,000.