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Indiana State Police Arrest Two Men in Connection to Asphalt Scam

Posey County – Indiana State Police arrested two men this morning in connection with the alleged asphalt scam that occurred earlier this year in Posey County.

On August 14, Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation after Leslie Oaks, 39, an employee of Oaks Construction, approached an 87-year-old woman at her New Harmony residence and told her that the crew had an extra load of asphalt from a recent job in Mt. Vernon and they could offer her a good price for her driveway. She was allegedly quoted a price between $1,000 and $2,000. She agreed and the crew started immediately. Near the completion of the job, Odie Herrin, 36, another Oaks Construction employee, entered her residence and demanded $6,000 for the job. She wrote the check and contacted her son after the crew left. Her son immediately contacted Indiana State Police and the crew was stopped on I-64 near the state police post. One of the employees was identified as Michael Coope, 34, of Clinton. He was arrested for an outstanding warrant out of Crawford County, IL, for Failure to Appear for Home Improvement Fraud. The rest of the crew were released, but detectives continued their investigation.  The 87-year-old woman was able to cancel her check before it was cashed.

After reviewing the criminal investigation the Posey County Prosecutor’s Office issued arrest warrants for Leslie Joseph Oaks, 39, of Clinton, IN, and Odie Curtis Herrin, 36, of West Terre Haute, IN. Oaks was arrested at approximately 11:30 at the KOA Campground in Gibson County and Herrin was arrested at a hotel across from the Indiana State Police Post. Both men are currently being held on bond in the Posey County Jail.

Arrested and Charges:

• Odie Curtis Herrin, 36, 1097 South Boyll Place, West Terre Haute, IN

1. Attempted Robbery, Level 5 Felony
2. Attempted Home Improvement Fraud, Level 6 Felony
3. Attempted Home Improvement Fraud, Class A Misdemeanor
4. Home Improvement Fraud, Class B Misdemeanor

• Leslie Joseph Oaks, 39, Clinton, IN

1. Attempted Home Improvement Fraud, Level 6 Felony
2. Attempted Home Improvement Fraud, Class A Misdemeanor

Investigating Officer: Detective Loren Brooks, Indiana State Police

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All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.