Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter

We have been blown away by the outpouring generosity and support our community has shown throughout this donation drive for the Safe Passage Shelter.

As we head into the final days before the drive ends this Friday (May 15), we’re asking for one last push to help us finish strong. Every donation helps provide essential items for survivors and families, from toiletries and cleaning supplies to pantry staples and snacks.

Donations can be dropped off at the Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office through Friday, May 15, between 8AM–4PM.

Thank you to everyone who has donated, shared our posts, and helped support Safe Passage Shelter. Your kindness is making a real difference. 💜

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office joins with the community in recognizing April as S*xual Assault Awareness month.

S*xual assault can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It is often underreported and many survivors face barriers to coming forward, including fear, stigma, and lack of resources.

“S*xual Assault is a serious and often misunderstood crime that can have lifelong impacts on survivors,” said Prosecutor David Sutter.

“Raising awareness for s*xual assault is essential to helping our community better understand the realities of s*xual violence, importance of consent, and the challenges many survivors face in coming forward. Awareness leads to understanding and understanding strengthens our community.” said Prosecutor Sutter.

If you or someone you know has been affected by s*xual assault, support is available:

For immediate assistance to report an assault call 911 or local law enforcement.

☎️ Safe Passage S*xual Assault Hotline: (812) 932-SAFE (7233)

☎️ The National S*xual Assault Hotline (800-656-HOPE)

🩵 The National S*xual Violence Resource Center - https://www.nsvrc.org

🩵 The Indiana Coalition to End S*xual Assault (ICESA) - https://www.ends*xualassault.org

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office wishes you and your family a happy Easter!

HARVE HENSLEY SENTENCED TO SIX YEARS IN PRISON FOLLOWING STALKING AND PERJURY CONVICTIONS

Jefferson County, Indiana – On February 9, 2026, Jefferson Superior Court Judge Blaine Goode sentenced Harve Hensley following his stalking and perjury convictions in a bench trial last month. Hensley was sentenced to total of six (6) years all executed at the Indiana Department of Corrections.

“I commend Judge Goode’s issuance of a fully executed sentence as it shows a thorough assessment of the impact of Hensley’s conduct and the facts of the case. It justly considers Hensley’s lack of remorse for disregarding his father’s wishes and the law in addition to refusing to acknowledge the real fear he caused for the victim” said Prosecutor David Sutter

“This sentence provides the victim and their family with much needed peace and security in the years ahead.”

The terror Hensley has brought upon the victim, stems from Hensley’s attempts to establish ownership of property in Deputy, Indiana, to which he has no claim to. Upon his father’s death, Harve was not named as a trustee or beneficiary and hence not allocated property from that trust agreement. The property was later legally sold to the victim in this case. Despite being told by numerous judges and the court of appeals that he has no legal authority or claim to the property; Hensley repeatedly harassed the victim and their family by making unlawful attempts to obtain ownership over the property.

During the sentencing hearing, the Court heard victim impact statements detailing the torment inflicted by Hensley. The victim shared during their statement “Harve’s relentless actions have cast a shadow over what should have been a peaceful sanctuary” adding “the only time we have had any peace is when Harve has been incarcerated”

In imposing the sentence, the Court found multiple aggravating factors, including that the harm suffered by the victim was significant and greater than necessary to prove the offense, that he has a history of criminal behavior, that the crimes were premeditated, that a lesser sentence would depreciate the seriousness of the offenses, and that the Hensley showed a lack of remorse. The Court found no mitigating circumstances.

“If you continue down this course of conduct, you will find yourself in criminal court again.” said Judge Blaine Goode.

Under Indiana law, repeat felony convictions can expose a defendant to substantial sentence enhancements in the future, if the habitual offender status is applicable. The habitual offender enhancement is a sentencing tool that allows the State to seek a significant additional term of incarceration, when a defendant has accumulated a minimum of three (3) prior unrelated felony convictions.

“Our commitment to protecting the people of Jefferson County and holding repeat offenders accountable hasn’t changed. Hensley’s continued pattern of felony convictions is deeply concerning and is moving him closer to meeting the criteria for the habitual offender enhancement. If that threshold is reached in the future, our office will carefully evaluate and pursue that enhancement as appropriate under Indiana law.” said Prosecutor Sutter