The lead off
- Jennings County Sheriff William K. “Kenny” Freeman Jr. has been indicted on multiple charges
- Indiana State Police say GPS tracking helped link stolen campaign signs to Freeman’s property
- A grand jury returned charges including theft, official misconduct, obstruction of justice and perjury
INDIANAPOLIS, IND. (WOWO) Jennings County Sheriff William K. “Kenny” Freeman Jr. has been indicted following an Indiana State Police investigation into the alleged theft of campaign signs, according to state officials.
Grand jury indictment and charges
Indiana State Police said a Jennings County grand jury returned an indictment against Freeman last week.
He faces the following charges:
- Theft (Class A misdemeanor), two counts
- Official misconduct (Level 6 felony)
- Obstruction of justice (Level 6 felony)
- Perjury (Level 6 felony)
Freeman, 60, of North Vernon, currently serves as Jennings County Sheriff.
Investigation began with stolen campaign signs
State police said the investigation began in November 2025 after a sheriff’s candidate reported multiple campaign signs had been stolen.
According to investigators, the candidate placed GPS tracking devices on campaign signs after repeated thefts.
When one of the tracked signs was allegedly stolen, the GPS device reportedly led investigators to a dumpster on Freeman’s property in North Vernon.
Evidence found at sheriff’s property
Indiana State Police said troopers recovered both the missing campaign sign and the GPS tracking device from a dumpster at Freeman’s home.
Investigators also reportedly located additional campaign signs on the property, including at least one belonging to a judicial candidate who also reported missing signage.
Arrest and court proceedings
Police said Freeman later issued a complaint and summons ticket against the candidates for alleged improper sign placement after the signs were found.
Following the investigation, a special prosecutor and judge were assigned due to Freeman’s position as sheriff.
The case was presented to a Jennings County grand jury, which returned the indictment.
Freeman turned himself in Monday at the Ripley County Jail and was released on his own recognizance, according to Indiana State Police.
Officials said Freeman waived his right to an initial hearing. A pre-trial hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
Administrative status unclear
It is currently unclear what impact the charges will have on Freeman’s role as Jennings County Sheriff.
County officials have not yet responded to requests for clarification on his status.
Looking ahead
Court proceedings are expected to continue with a pre-trial hearing scheduled in the coming weeks as prosecutors move forward with the case.
The takeaway
Sheriff indicted after six-month investigation
Jennings County Sheriff William Freeman faces multiple charges after a grand jury reviewed evidence in a campaign sign theft case.
GPS tracking linked signs to sheriff’s property, police say
Indiana State Police say a tracked campaign sign was recovered from a dumpster at Freeman’s home, along with other missing signs.
Legal and administrative questions remain
Freeman has been released pending trial, while officials have not yet clarified what the indictment means for his continued service as sheriff.
