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)
$15 increase for Rockville sanitary sewer / wastewater usage fee
Duke Energy reminds residents to call 811 before beginning spring digging projects
Parke County tornado confirmed
Pair of suspects arrested after drugs found inside their bodies
Parents offering new alternative for Montezuma Elementary families
Sherlock Holmes to the stage at Parke Heritage this weekend
Indiana AG warns of human trafficking during Final Four
Billie Creek Village ready for another season
Voter registration deadline April 6
Flags ordered to half-staff for Captain Seth Koval
Conrady seeks Rockville Town Board seat
Peebles looks to keep Vermillion County Commissioner seat
Indiana launches enforcement campaign to target distracted driving and speeding
Indianapolis Indians named title partner of the 2026 Indiana State Fair
Carlisle man leads Parke County officers, others on chase
Game audio: 2A State Championship, Parke Heritage 57, Westview 56 (Air date March 28, 2026)
