An eight-month criminal investigation conducted by detectives from the Indiana State Police Peru Post led to the arrest of a Greentown man.
Dustin J. Echelbarger, 43, was arrested on Wednesday.
The investigation began in October 2024 after officers received information regarding potential fraud, forgery, and corrupt business practices. The preliminary investigation revealed that Echelbarger, while working as a salesman at a local farm equipment store, engaged in fraudulent activities by buying, selling, and trading equipment to farmers across northern Indiana. It was determined that he collected over $750,000 through fabricated purchase orders and secured more than $650,000 in loans under the names of local farmers.
Echelbarger was served with an arrest warrant from Grant County Superior Court II and was incarcerated at the Grant County Jail.
Charges against Echelbarger include:
- Corrupt Business Influence – Level 5 Felony
- Fraud (loss between $50,000 and $100,000) – Level 5 Felony (6 counts)
- Fraud (loss between $750 and $50,000) – Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
- Forgery – Level 6 Felony (8 counts)
Ray Allison named next executive director of the Indiana State Fair Commission
INvestABLE Indiana announces expanded eligibility criteria beginning January 1
Rockville Parks Board continues working on quality of life improvements
Indiana advances coal ash permitting program
Indiana's state parks offer New Years Day events
Rockville Council strips Clerk-Treasurer of Town Manager duties
DNR receives regional award for project on former mine land near Pleasantville
ISP shopping safety tips
Riverton Parke's Emily Adams awarded the Lilly Endowment Community Scholarship for Parke County
BMV announces Christmas and New Year's Day holiday hours
Indiana launches Smart SNAP
Indiana 211: Connecting Hoosiers to holiday support and essential resources
Department of Homeland Security launches Worst of the Worst website
Governor Braun takes action to waive hours-of-service regulations for transporting propane
Two Indiana State Fair Commission executives elected to prominent national IAFE Positions, Indiana State Fair honored with multiple awards
Cover Crop Premium Discount Program available for Hoosier farmers, new pre-enrollment available
Indiana FSSA extends open enrollment for HIP and PathWays Plans through December 24
