Developing Story: Did the Sullivan County Coroner Commit Sex Offenses?

Deceased Sullivan County Coroner and Possible Sex Offender Tracy Lee Tackett
Deceased Sullivan County Coroner Tracy Lee Tackett

Residents of Sullivan County were disturbed to learn recently that their coroner, 56-year-old Tracy Tackett, had committed suicide. They were no doubt even more disturbed to learn the probable reason why.

The Indiana State Police had been investigating Tackett for allegations of soliciting sex from a minor at the time of his death. A YouTube program, “Expose Your Local Pedophile,” had recently released a video which appeared to show text exchanges between Tackett and someone he believed to be a fourteen-year-old girl, as well as footage of Tackett arriving for a supposed sexual encounter with the teen in Henderson, Kentucky. In a particularly odd move, Tackett actually wore a shirt identifying himself as a member of the Sullivan County Coroner’s Office when he went to the hook-up; the shirt and its logo can be seen in the video.

Tackett was reported missing Saturday morning after reportedly leaving the home he shared with his girlfriend in a rush. He was found dead the following Monday in the driver’s seat of his white Dodge pick-up, parked near Sullivan County roads 300 North and 225 East. He had suffered a single, self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.





Unsolved: Who Killed Lowell Badger?

From in.gov:

ISP Requests the Public’s Help

Lowell Badger

Indiana State Police detectives from the Putnamville Post, with the assistance of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office, continue to investigate the death of retired farmer Lowell R. Badger, age 85, of 10447 West County Road 350 North, Merom, IN.

On December 8, 2012, 85-year-old Lowell R. Badger was found deceased on the bedroom floor of his rural Sullivan County home at 10447 West County Road 350 North. Mr. Badger died as the result of a gunshot wound suffered during a burglary of his residence.

Taken during the burglary was Lowell’s safe, a light to medium dark gray color, measuring 23 1/2 tall, 17” depth, and 17” wide, in pristine condition and manufactured by John D. Brush and Company. (The photo is of a similar safe; Mr. Badger’s safe was in pristine condition.) Also taken was his black 46” Sony Bravia LCD television.)

Law enforcement and the Badger family continue to solicit help from the public. Anyone with information is strongly urged to call Indiana State Police Detective Mike Taylor at the Putnamville Post (765)-653-4114 or the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office 812-268-4044. All tips will be investigated and person(s) can remain anonymous.

A reward of $30,000 has been established and available for person (s) who provide information leading to the arrest and conviction for those responsible for Lowell’s death.

Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact Sergeant Joe Watts of the Indiana State Police Putnamville Post at 765-653-4114.