The Indiana State Police has arrested Thomas Burkhardt, the assistant police chief in West Baden Springs, following an investigation into allegations of official misconduct and battery. Police say Detective Tim Denby began the investigation on April 22 after receiving complaints from alleged victims who cooperated with investigators throughout the case. A special prosecutor from Jefferson County was assigned to review the investigation. Authorities say Burkhardt, 60, of Dubois, is facing two counts of official misconduct as Level 6 felonies, one count of battery as a Level 6 felony and one count of battery as a Class A misdemeanor. A no bond warrant was issued Tuesday, and Burkhardt was taken into custody by Indiana State Police detectives without incident before being lodged in the Orange County Jail. An initial court appearance is expected in the coming days. Burkhardt is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
