Southern Indiana assistant police chief arrested on felony charges

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — The West Baden Springs Police Department's assistant police chief was arrested Tuesday on felony charges following a weekslong investigation.

Indiana State Police said in a news release the investigation into 60-year-old Thomas "Andy" Burkhardt, of Dubois, Indiana, began April 22 after multiple victims accused him of misconduct and battery.

According to a probable cause affidavit, a firefighter/EMT accused Burkhardt of grabbing her by the hips and rubbing against her while telling her "I love you, oh I love you" at the scene of a medical call in March. The victim reported the incident to her partner and command personnel.

While the incident was under investigation, detectives were told about a second one. A state law enforcement officer reported Burkhardt slapped her behind as she walked by him during a training at the West Baden Springs Police Department in October 2024. She said other officers at the training witnessed the incident.

Burkhardt was arrested Tuesday on a no-bond warrant. He was charged with two counts of battery against a public safety official and two counts of official misconduct as a public servant.

"We want the public to view us as following the law, and if one of us violated or breaks the law they should be held responsible like anyone else," said Sgt. John Davis, a spokesperson for the Indiana State Police Jasper Post. "If we are trying to enforce the law, and we commit crimes, who's supposed to take up for the public then?"

ISP said Burkhardt is currently being held in the Orange County Circuit Court. He pleaded not guilty in court Wednesday afternoon. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in prison.