Charges filed against Columbus trustee who spent $1M on vacations, personal expenses

COLUMBUS, Ind. (WISH) — Former Columbus Township Trustee Benjamin Jackson has been charged after a state investigation found he spent over $1 million in taxpayer funds on travel, retail, and more.

News 8 previously reported on Jackson when a copy of the report by the Indiana State Board of Accounts was released.

The investigation began on Oct. 15, when an anonymous source claimed Jackson used the Columbus Township credit card to buy first class airline tickets for him and his wife.

The board then called for a review township credit card statements from Jackson’s time as trustee, starting at Dec. 14, 2016 until his resignation on Nov. 22, 2024. The report found that almost 98 percent of the purchases were issued to Jackson, 88 percent of which he used for personal expenses.

In total, Jackson spent $1,123,334.27.

Around $657,000 was dedicated to taking trips to Abu Dhabi, Australia, Steamboat Springs, Colo. and multiple trips to Disney World. Another $150,000 went toward retail purchases.

Additional tens of thousands were poured into cars, coffee machines, college tuition for his children, fishing gear, cannabis products, and a new backyard deck with an inflatable hot tub.

Jackson was charged with 9 counts of theft and 9 counts of official misconduct. Online court records show his case will be handled by special judge from Decatur County, but an initial hearing date has not been set.

Below is the full report by the Indiana State Board of Accounts.

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