Madison Regatta brawl: Operation Rusty Cherub nets 13 arrests

MADISON, Ind.–Thirteen people face charges after Operation Rusty Cherub, a multi-state warrant sweep that concluded a three-month investigation into a July 4 brawl between rival motorcycle organizations during the Madison Regatta.

The arrests stemmed from an altercation at Shipley’s Tavern in Madison, Indiana, involving members of the Iron Horsemen and Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle organizations. The fight left multiple people injured and caused property damage during one of the busiest weekends of the year in the Ohio River community.

Law enforcement officers arrested 11 suspects in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky before dawn Tuesday. The U.S. Marshals Service arrested two additional suspects in Richmond, Virginia, later that day.

Bar fight erupted during holiday celebration

The incident began shortly after 3 p.m. July 4 when members of both organizations encountered each other inside Shipley’s Tavern on West Street, according to Indiana State Police. The ensuing fight injured multiple people as thousands of visitors filled Madison for the regatta and Independence Day celebrations.

Madison Police Department officers initially responded to the scene. The Indiana State Police Special Investigations Section assumed lead responsibility for the investigation, which resulted in charges filed in Jefferson Superior Court.

Detective Tim Denby of the Indiana State Police Special Investigations Section led the operation, coordinating with more than two dozen law enforcement agencies across four states.

18 search warrants executed

Officers served search warrants at 18 locations in the tri-state area Tuesday morning. Additional search warrants and possible charges are expected, according to state police.

Investigators used multiple techniques during the three-month investigation, including Flock cameras to identify and locate suspects.

All 13 suspects face corrupt business influence charges, a Level 5 felony. Many also face charges of battery with a deadly weapon and other felonies.

Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter praised the coordinated law enforcement response.

“In one of our community’s busiest and most exciting weekends of the year, individuals from these two organizations chose to engage in criminal activity and cause chaos among law-abiding citizens who wanted to enjoy what Madison has to offer,” Sutter said. “I commend the Indiana State Police and all cooperating law enforcement agencies for their efforts in pursuing those engaging in this criminal activity to make our community a safe and enjoyable place.”

Investigative agencies

The investigation involved the Indiana State Police, FBI field offices in Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Louisville, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Marshals Service and numerous local police departments and sheriff’s offices in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

Prosecutor’s offices in seven Indiana counties, five Kentucky counties and three Ohio counties participated in the investigation.

The arrested

Colton W. Griffin, 37, Milton, Kentucky

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Aiding in Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
• Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury, Level 6 Felony
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Elizabeth A. Whelan, 36, Rising Sun, Indiana

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Jacob B. Barkalow, 29, Dry Ridge, Kentucky

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Aiding in Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
• Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury, Level 6 Felony
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Toby L. Jones, 39, North Vernon, Indiana

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Battery (2 counts), Class B Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Crystal A. Melcher, 48, Sellersburg, Indiana

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Attempted Obstruction of Justice, Level 6 Felony
• Attempted Battery (2 counts), Class B Misdemeanor
• Attempted Battery by Bodily Waste, Class B Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Michael D. Melcher, 53, Sellersburg, Indiana

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Battery (2 counts), Class B Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Owen A. Dumford, 22, Richmond, Indiana

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Aiding in Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony

Tyler L. Cole, 28, Mount Orab, Ohio

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
• Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury, Level 6 Felony
• Intimidation, Level 6 Felony
• Battery, Class A Misdemeanor
• Criminal Vandalism, Class B Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Toby W. Hughes, 47, Rising Sun, Indiana

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Aiding in Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
• Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury, Level 6 Felony
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Jason D. Stowers, 47, Frankfort, Kentucky

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Aiding in Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
• Battery, Class A Misdemeanor
• Attempted Battery, Class B Misdemeanor
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Robert M. Stagge, 37, Cincinnati, Ohio

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Aiding in Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony
• Battery Resulting in Moderate Bodily Injury, Level 6 Felony
• Disorderly Conduct, Class B Misdemeanor

Cole M. Hoffman, 27, Crittenden, Kentucky

• Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony
• Aiding in Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony

Christopher M. Moore, 45, Scottsburg, Indiana

Aiding in Battery with Deadly Weapon, Level 5 Felony

Corrupt Business Influence, Level 5 Felony

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