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Vigo County—This afternoon, Indiana State Police Detectives from the Putnamville Post arrested two security patrol officers on numerous felony counts. The two were arrested at their respective homes on Vigo County arrest warrants and incarcerated in the Vigo County Jail. The arrests stem from a nearly three month long investigation by Indiana State Police Detective Tony Guinn.

James D. Graham, age 52, of Bloomington, IN. (Father) was preliminarily charged with ten felonies and one Misdemeanor: (4) counts of Conspiracy to Commit Bribery; (2) counts of Corrupt Business Influence; (2) counts of Attempted Corrupt Business Influence; (2) counts of Official Misconduct; and (1) count of Theft (Misdemeanor). Bond $10,000 no 10%.

Jeremiah J. Graham, age 33, Terre Haute, IN. (Son) was preliminarily charged with six felonies: (4) counts of Bribery; (1) count of Official Misconduct; and (1) Theft (felony). Bond $10,000 no 10%.

The investigation began on August 23, 2014, when four individuals contacted the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office about their concerns over paying cash to a “deputy” who had written them traffic citations at the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza. The “deputy” allegedly told them if they did not pay twenty-five dollars, he would take them to jail. The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office responded to the initial complaint, but at the request of the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation was relinquished to the Indiana State Police. During the course of the investigation, Detective Guinn developed information that indicated James Graham allegedly instructed Jeremiah Graham to write citations to drivers who committed traffic offenses while on fairgrounds property. James was also alleged to have directed Jeremiah to offer drivers a chance to pay twenty-five dollars cash to the officers in lieu of the tickets being submitted to the court. Persons who received citations from Jeremiah were allegedly told the twenty-five dollars could serve as a donation to the charitable organization “Blue-men-ton Knights” supposedly started by James Graham. Nine victims were located throughout the states of Indiana and Illinois, along with various items of potential evidence.

Graham Security Patrol was contracted by the Vigo County Fairgrounds Board to provide security on the fairgrounds during the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza. James D. Graham and four of his employees were given “Special Deputy” powers from the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office to assist with security during the diesel event. They were not given authorization to accept cash donations in lieu of tickets.

James D. Graham is the owner operator of Graham Security Patrol which is part of his J. Graham Enterprises.

Assisting were ISP Detectives First Sergeant Jeff Hearon, Sergeant Jason Fajt, and Detective Mike Taylor.

Questions concerning the ISP investigation should be directed to Sergeant Joe Watts and/or the Vigo County Prosecutor’s Office .Questions concerning the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office should be directed to Sheriff Greg Ewing at 812-462-3226.

Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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