Grant County deputies on Friday put out a fresh "Felony Fugitive Friday" alert, naming 31-year-old Jaleel Smith and asking residents to help track him down after an alleged probation violation.
What The Sheriff’s Office Says About Smith
According to the Grant County Sheriff's Office, Smith is 31 years old, about 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs roughly 248 pounds. The post says he is wanted for a violation of probation and asks anyone with information to contact law enforcement or Crime Stoppers.
How Indiana Courts Treat Probation Violations
Indiana courts handle probation revocation hearings as civil proceedings, where the state must prove a violation by a preponderance of the evidence. A memorandum opinion from the Court of Appeals of Indiana explains that when a violation is found, a judge can order previously suspended sentences to be executed and may revoke probation and commit a person to the Department of Correction depending on the facts.
How Past ‘Felony Fugitive Friday’ Alerts Have Gone
Grant County’s "Felony Fugitive Friday" posts are part of a recurring effort by deputies to crowdsource tips from residents. An April roundup documented a case where deputies asked for help locating three people wanted on failure-to-appear and probation-related warrants. That approach has helped generate tips in past cases, officials say.
What To Do If You Spot Him
If you recognize Smith or know where he might be, authorities say you should contact the Grant County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers instead of approaching him yourself. Deputies emphasize public safety and remind the public that all persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
