Former township trustee sentenced to 28 years; ordered to repay $1.1 million

Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office Press Release

Columbus, Indiana – Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Holden announced today that Benjamin Jackson (DOB 10/26/1968), former Columbus Township Trustee, has been sentenced by Special Judge Matthew Bailey to a term of 28 years, 26 years are to be executed in the Department of Correction with the remaining 2 years being suspended to probation.

On July 22, 2025, Jackson was charged nine counts of Theft and nine counts of Official
Misconduct. Jackson resigned from his position after the Indiana State Police began a criminal investigation in November 2024 into irregularities with township finances involving credit card purchases. The Indiana State Board of Accounts published a special investigation report in May, documenting $1,123,334.27 in personal expenses paid for with credit cards for Columbus Township.

On November 10, 2025, Jackson pleaded guilty to all 18 counts.

With regard to today’s sentence, Prosecutor Holden commented:

“This 28-year sentence reflects the extraordinary scope of the defendant’s greed and the
devastating breach of trust he committed against the taxpayers he was elected to serve. For nearly a decade, he treated public funds as his personal bank account, stealing more than one million dollars from the very community that depended on him to act with integrity.

“Today’s sentence, along with the Court’s order that the defendant pay $1,123,334.27 in
restitution, holds him fully accountable for the harm that he caused. That restitution is critical to making taxpayers whole and restoring resources that were wrongfully taken from the township.

“I want to thank the Indiana State Police and the Indiana State Board of Accounts for their
meticulous and thorough investigation. This case would not have been possible without their dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to protecting public funds.

“This sentence sends a clear and unmistakable message that corruption at any level of government will be met with serious consequences, and that the taxpayers of Bartholomew County deserve honest, accountability, and respect.”