West Baden Assistant Police Chief arrested on misconduct, battery charges

ByLocal Sources Reading Time: 1 minute

The Indiana State Police Special Investigation Division has arrested 60-year-old Thomas Burkhardt of Dubois, the current West Baden Assistant Police Chief, on three felony charges following an investigation.

Detective Tim Denby began his investigation on April 22, 2026, after receiving criminal allegations of official misconduct and battery from alleged victims, who have been cooperative throughout this investigation.

According to a probable cause affidavit, two female first responders made complaints of Burkhardt aggressively and inappropriately touching them. One incident involved a female EMT, and another involved a state law enforcement officer.

Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter was assigned as the Special Prosecutor in this case, and on May 19th, the Orange County Court Special Judge was presented with this case. As a result, the following criminal charges have been levied against Burkhardt:

  • Two (2) Counts of Official Misconduct, Level 6 Felony
  • One (1) Count of Battery, Level 6 Felony
  • One (1) Count of Battery, Class A Misdemeanor

On May 19, 2026, a no-bond warrant was issued for Burkhardt. Burkhardt was arrested by Indiana State Police detectives and lodged in the Orange County Jail without incident.  

His initial appearance will be sometime in the next few days in the Orange County Circuit Court.

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