COLUMBUS, Ind. – Benjamin Jackson, 56, the former Columbus Township Trustee who resigned in 2024, has accepted a plea deal.

On Monday in Bartholomew County Superior Court 1, Jackson pleaded guilty to 17 felonies, including theft and official misconduct, that Bartholomew County Prosecuting Attorney Lindsey Holden-Key charged him with on July 22.

Sentencing is scheduled for January 21, 2026. He could face anywhere from one to 64 years in prison.

Jackson resigned from his position after the Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation in November 2024 into irregularities involving township finances, including 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 c

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