Indiana Appellate Court Affirms Near-Maximum Sentence for Lawrence County Man

The Court of Appeals of Indiana has upheld an 11-year, 11-month prison sentence for Anthony R. Henson, 39, following his conviction for Level 4 felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

The ruling, handed down by Judge Margret G. Vaidik on August 24, 2026, rejects Henson’s claim that his sentence—just one month shy of the statutory maximum—was inappropriate.

May 2024 Manhunt and Traffic Stop The case stems from an incident on May 31, 2024, when Lawrence County Sheriff’s deputies were conducting a K-9 search for Devin Luchauer, a suspect believed to be armed and dangerous. During the operation, officers observed Henson driving back and forth before pulling out of Luchauer’s driveway.

Upon initiating a traffic stop, deputies spotted a shotgun in plain view on the front passenger seat. Henson, the sole occupant of the vehicle, was barred from possessing firearms due to a prior 2007 Class B felony burglary conviction. Henson initially claimed Luchauer had called him to collect items from the residence, including the weapon.

At trial, Henson testified he had picked up Luchauer—believing Luchauer had just killed someone—and drove him home to retrieve belongings. Henson stated Luchauer fled on foot when police appeared, leaving him alone in the vehicle with the shotgun. A Lawrence Superior Court II jury convicted Henson of the firearm charge under Judge Robert R. Cline.

Extensive Record and Appellate Decision Judge Cline sentenced Henson to 4,350 days in the Indiana Department of Correction, citing his extensive criminal record and repeated probation failures.

On appeal, Henson requested a reduction to the 6-year advisory sentence under Indiana Appellate Rule 7(B). The appellate panel disagreed, noting:

• Nature of the Offense: Henson was actively assisting a fleeing suspect he believed had committed a homicide and lied to law enforcement to conceal the situation.
• Character and Criminal History: Henson’s record includes four juvenile adjudications, two stints at Boys School, four adult felony convictions, and multiple probation violations.
• Pretrial Release Violations: Henson committed this offense while out on pretrial release in three separate pending felony cases spanning Lawrence and Monroe counties.

Judges Altice and Foley concurred in affirming the Lawrence Superior Court’s sentence.