Lawrence County Independent News and Public Records

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FBI Highlights 105-Year Sentence in Child Exploitation Case

FBI Highlights 105-Year Sentence in Child Exploitation Case

The FBI Indianapolis Field Office officially highlighted the successful prosecution of Bernardo Revelez Tapia, who was sentenced to 105 years in state prison late last month in Lawrence Superior Court II.

The FBI noted Tapia’s travel from California to Indiana to target and sexually assault children, emphasizing the extensive joint investigation between local, state, and federal agencies—including the Greene County Sheriff’s Office, Lawrence County Prosecutor's Office, Indiana State Police, and federal partners.

Tapia was convicted by a Lawrence County jury on July 30 across nine felony counts—including Rape, Child Molesting, Child Sexual Trafficking, Strangulation, and Obstruction of Justice—along with a Repeat Sexual Offender Enhancement, before being sentenced by Judge Robert Cline on August 27.

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Police Log 09/17/2026

Police Log 09/17/2026

Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department Public Safety Log: September 16 – 17, 2026 All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests & Citations * Amanda Michelle Parry (39), Bedford: Cited by Bedford Police at 16th St & Edgewood Dr on Sept. 16 at 8:13 AM for Expired License Plates. * Chelsay Elizabeth Linton (37), Bedford: Arrested by Bedford Police on SR 37 NB & Dixie Hwy on Sept. 16 at 9:17 AM for Driving While Suspended (Prior S
By Lawrence County Independent News •

FULL REPORT: Arrest Made in Bedford Stabbing Investigation That Hospitalized Two

BEDFORD, Ind. — A 65-year-old Bedford man has been taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, following a stabbing incident Sunday evening that left two victims hospitalized. The charges stem from an emergency response that began just before 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, when dispatches indicated a stabbing near 17th and G Streets in Bedford. A second victim was located a short distance away near 17th and H Streets shortly afterward. Emergency medical
FULL REPORT: Arrest Made in Bedford Stabbing Investigation That Hospitalized Two

Bedford Man Facing Felony Charges After Search Warrant Uncovers Meth, Cocaine, and Drug Parcels Shipped to Home

A Bedford man faces multiple felony charges following a multi-month narcotics investigation that culminated in a search warrant uncovering packaged methamphetamine, cocaine, and suspected mail-order narcotics deliveries at his residence. Chase Wells, 26, was arrested on Thursday, September 24, 2026, by the Indiana State Police. The Narcotics Investigation & Warrant Execution According to the sworn affidavit, the Indiana State Police had spent several months investigating methamphetamine dist
Bedford Man Facing Felony Charges After Search Warrant Uncovers Meth, Cocaine, and Drug Parcels Shipped to Home

Warrant Requested for Bedford Woman Accused of Smashed Windshield and Driveway Brawl

A Bedford woman faces criminal misdemeanor charges after sheriff's deputies say she smashed out another woman's car window with a baseball bat during an altercation at an Ozee Farm Road residence. The Lawrence County Sheriff's Department has requested an arrest warrant for 43-year-old Natasha Johns of Bedford following an investigation into the late-August disturbance. The Disturbance on Ozee Farm Road On August 26, 2026, Lawrence County deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 300 blo
Warrant Requested for Bedford Woman Accused of Smashed Windshield and Driveway Brawl

FULL REPORT: Arrest Made in Bedford Stabbing Investigation That Hospitalized Two

BEDFORD, Ind. — A 65-year-old Bedford man has been taken into custody and faces multiple felony charges, including attempted murder, following a stabbing incident Sunday evening that left two victims hospitalized. The charges stem from an emergency response that began just before 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, when dispatches indicated a stabbing near 17th and G Streets in Bedford. A second victim was located a short distance away near 17th and H Streets shortly afterward. Emergency medical
FULL REPORT: Arrest Made in Bedford Stabbing Investigation That Hospitalized Two

Police Log 09/29/2026

Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department Public Safety Log: September 28 – 29, 2026 All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests & Citations * Juvenile (15), Bedford: Cited by Bedford Police School Resource Officer at Bedford Middle School (1501 N St) on Sept. 28 at 12:22 PM for Unlawful Possession of Tobacco, E-Liquid, or an Electronic Cigarette. Incident Highlights * Search Warrant Execution: Bedford Police detectives and o
Police Log 09/29/2026

Police Log 09/28/2026

Bedford Police Department & Lawrence County Sheriff's Department Public Safety Log: September 27 – 28, 2026 All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Arrests & Citations * Gavin Williams Arney (29), Branchville: Arrested by Bedford Police at Wilson Park on Sept. 27 at 2:28 PM for Possession of Methamphetamine. * Dustin Matthew Turpin (43), Bedford: Arrested by Bedford Police at Wilson Park on Sept. 27 at 2:28 PM for Unlawful Carrying of a Handgun with a Pri
Police Log 09/28/2026