Ohio County-This afternoon, after a four month long investigation, the Indiana State Police arrested Rising Sun, IN Police Officer Lowell Ross Colen age 42, Rising Sun, at his residence on a warrant containing thirteen felony charges including ghost employment, official misconduct, forgery, and voter fraud.
In June of this year, Indiana State Police Detectives initiated an investigation into Colen after being made aware of possible criminal activity that took place surrounding the 2015 primary election that took place in Ohio County. During the investigation, it was determined that Colen allegedly influenced individuals to vote in the Ohio County primary elections. While doing so, he allegedly filled out absentee applications and ballots for individuals who were not eligible to vote in Ohio County. Colen allegedly forged signatures on some of the applications and ballots and submitted them to the Ohio County Clerk’s Office. It was also determined that Colen was allegedly in a police uniform and on duty in his official capacity as a Rising Sun Police Officer when some of this activity took place.
At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was turned over to the Ohio County Prosecutor’s Office for review. A warrant was issued earlier today in the Ohio County Circuit Court. After the book-in process is completed, Colen will be issued a bond and then given an initial court date to appear in the Ohio County Circuit Court.
A mug photo of Lowell Ross Colen is attached.
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Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
