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Last updated on Monday, November 17, 2014
(VIGO CO.) - Two security patrol officers were arrested Friday afternoon for multiple felony counts.
52-year-old James D. Graham of Bloomington and 33-year-old Jeremiah J. Graham of Terre Haute were arrested at their homes on Vigo County warrants in connection to investigation for actions taken at Scheid Diesel Extravaganza. The two are father and son.
The investigation began on Aug. 23 when four people informed the Vigo County Sheriff's Office over concerns of paying cash to a 'deputy' instead of paying citations.
These individuals stated the 'deputy' allegedly told them if they did not pay the $25, he would take them to jail.
During a three month investigation, Indiana State Police believe James Graham allegedly instructed Jeremiah Graham to write the citations for traffic offenses on fairgrounds property. James was also alleged to have directed Jeremiah to offer drivers a chance to pay $25 cash to the officers in lieu of the tickets being submitted to the court.
Persons who received citations from Jeremiah were allegedly told the $25 could serve as a donation to the charitable organization "Blue-men-ton Knights" supposedly started by James Graham.
Nine victims were located throughout the states of Indiana and Illinois, along with various items of potential evidence.
Graham Security Patrol was contracted by the Vigo County Fairgrounds Board to provide security on the fairgrounds during the Scheid Diesel Extravaganza.
James Graham and four of his employees were given "Special Deputy" powers from the Vigo County Sheriff's Office to assist with security during the diesel event.
They were not given authorization to accept cash donations in lieu of tickets.
James Graham has been preliminarily charged with ten felonies and one misdemeanor including four counts of conspiracy to commit bribery, two counts of corrupt business influence, two counts of attempted corrupt business influence, two counts of official misconduct and one count of theft. His bond is set at $10,000.
Jeremiah Graham has been preliminarily charged with six felonies including four counts of bribery, one count of official misconduct and one count of theft. His bond is set at $10,000.
James Graham is the owner operator of Graham Security Patrol which is part of his J. Graham Enterprises.
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