A two-day jury trial was held in Pulaski Circuit Court.
Dennis Matthew Howard was found guilty of escape and resisting law enforcement.
According to a press release from the Pulaski County Prosecutor’s Office, in an incident in June 2021, it was the court’s decision to remand Howard into the custody of the Pulaski County Jail following a hearing. He defied the court’s order and pulled away when the corrections officer attempted to place him in wrist restraints, which resulted in an altercation in the courtroom foyer. Howard overpowered the correction officer which caused him to lose balance and sustain injuries. Howard then fled the building, according to the report.
Officers then searched for Howard who was found hiding in a construction dumpster in the 300 block of North Market Street, about three blocks away from the Pulaski County Justice Center. He was successfully taken into custody and returned to the Pulaski County Justice Center Jail.
Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Kelly Gaumer represented the State of Indiana where she called eight witnesses to testify. Defense Attorney Samantha Joslyn from Rensselaer did not call any witnesses. The defendant did not testify. Pulaski Circuit Court Judge Mary Welker presided over the trial.
The trial began Tuesday, March 12 and concluded with the jury’s guilty verdicts to both counts Wednesday, March 13. The 12-member jury took approximately two hours to reach a verdict. There was one alternate with the jury.
Howard will be sentenced Monday, April 22 at 9 a.m. ET in Pulaski Circuit Court.
