Ex-Indiana township trustee arrested for alleged $1.1 million theft

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A former Columbus Township Trustee has been arrested for theft in excess of $1 million, according to Indiana State Police.

Benjamin Jackson, 56, served as the Columbus Township Trustee in x from July 2013 to Nov. 2024. But Indiana State Police received a tip that Jackson had made personal purchases using a township credit card.

According to police, an audit into purchases made by Jackson on township credit cards uncovered multiple personal purchases dating back to 2016. Police said between 2016 to 2024, Jackson made more than $1.1 million in personal purchases with trustee office credit cards.

Indiana State Police submitted the case to Bartholomew County Prosecutor's Office in May 2025. Charges were filed Tuesday, resulting in a warrant being issued for Jackson's arrest.

Jackson was arrested on felony charges of corrupt business influence, forgery, official misconduct and theft. He was incarcerated in the Bartholomew County Jail.

Jackson resigned from the position in Nov. 2024.

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