COLUMBUS, Ind. – A recent investigation by Indiana State Police (ISP) detectives into the falsifying of a handgun purchase application led to four Bartholomew County residents being arrested on numerous drug-related charges.
ISP was notified that Frank Hiatt, 59, of Columbus, had allegedly falsified a handgun purchase application while attempting to buy a handgun from Rural King, in Greensburg, on June 28. While completing the required paperwork to purchase the weapon, Hiatt supposedly indicated that he was not currently under any indictment for felony charges and was not an unlawful user of any controlled substance. His application was denied and through the course of the investigation, he was issued a warrant on a felony charge of providing false information on a consent form.
Indiana State Police and deputies from the Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office went to the suspect’s house to serve the arrest warrant on September 10. While there, law enforcement officials say they located methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Hiatt, along with three other men at the residence were arrested on numerous drug-related charges.
Hiatt was arrested on the original warrant and also on charges of obstruction of justice, maintaining a common nuisance, and possession of paraphernalia. The others taken into custody were Charles Hiatt, 62, of Columbus, Rodney Hiatt, 52, of Columbus, and Johnny Watson, 53, of Hope.
All four were transported to the Bartholomew County Jail where they were incarcerated pending their initial court appearances.
