Local News Headlines: January 25, 2021

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Local law enforcement denounces vigilantism

The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has issued a statement collaboratively with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, along with the Brownstown, Crothersville, and Seymour Police Departments relating to vigilante sting operations. Specifically, individual citizens have been conducting their own investigations into pedophilia by pretending to be underaged girls online; and arranging meet ups with older men in public places. Once the older men arrive with a documented intent of a sexual encounter, they are then exposed on video, which is then posted to social media. Jackson County Prosecutor said that “Vigilantism is extremely dangerous, and he strongly discourages such sting operations,” following with, “Sooner or later, it will result in violence, injury, and death. Police say if you have information concerning sex crimes, sex trafficking, or other crimes, contact your local law enforcement agency, and that the police will investigate.

Ratcliff takes on Indiana over casinos

Rod Ratcliff, the former CEO of Spectacle Entertainment has challenged that the state of Indiana Gaming Commission acted against him without allowing a fair hearing on allegations that he exerted control over his former company in violation of state orders. This action came following federal indictment of his former business partner for campaign contribution violations. Radcliff’s lawsuit states that he was unfairly judged guilty by association and forced to give up his stakes in a Lake Michigan casino and a $300 million new casino project being built in Gary, Indiana, in partnership with Hard Rock International.

IU Women’s Basketball comes back to defeat Northwestern

The Lady Hoosiers struggled through 3 quarters against the 21st nationally ranked Wildcats of Northwestern, but were able to turn it around with a 24-5 run to end the game; the final score 74-61. Forward Mackenzie Holmes led all with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Jaelynn Penn returned after missing several games due to an injury, to add 12 points. The first 25, plus minutes of the game saw Northwestern dominating in forced turnovers and in total offense, but Junior Guard Grace Berger led the turnaround with just minutes remaining in the 3rd quarter, which ultimately shifted momentum toward the Hoosiers, who overcame a 14 point deficit to ultimately win by 13. IU betters their record to 9-3 on the season, 7-1 in the conference, while Northwestern falls to 8-3 and 6-3. Next up, Indiana is scheduled to take on Michigan State on Sunday, January 31st.