Columbus drug dealer sentenced to 9 years

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 at 11:50 AM

Courtesy-Bartholomew County Prosecutor's Office

COLUMBUS, Ind. - On September 8, 2025, Daniel S. Houchens was charged with Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 4 felony).

He was arrested during Operation Cold Front, which was a closely coordinated operation between the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team (JNET), Bartholomew County Sheriff - Sheriff Chris Lane, Columbus Police Department, and Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.

Operation Cold Front also resulted in the arrest of eight other individuals for dealing drugs and narcotic-related offenses.

On December 15, 2025, Houchens entered a guilty plea to Dealing in Meth (Level 4 felony). Following a hearing on March 11, Judge James Worton of the Bartholomew Superior Court 1 sentenced Houchens to nine years to be served in the Indiana Department of Correction.

The sentencing range for a Level 4 felony is from two to 12 years, with an advisory sentence of six years.

More from Latest News

Bartholomew County Emergency Management explains severe weather warning sirens concerns

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Following the recent severe weather and concerns from residents about the sirens, Bartholomew County Emergency Management (BCEM) wants to reiterate the purpose of the warning sirens.
CRH announces ownership transition of Treatment and Support Center

COLUMBUS, Ind. - Columbus Regional Health (CRH), in partnership with Ascension Recovery Services, announced on Thursday, June 18, the launch of an initiative to transition the ownership and operations of CRH’s Treatment and Support Center (TASC) to Indiana Recovery Homes.
Lightning strike causes house fire in Bargersville

BARGERSVILLE, Ind. - The Bargersville Fire Department was dispatched to the 4600 block of Shelby Circle just after 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 17, after 9-1-1 callers reported flames visible from the roof of a residence.
JCCF hands out nearly $160K in Youth Programming grants

FRANKLIN, Ind. - The Johnson County Community Foundation (JCCF) announced the recipients of the 2026 Youth Programming grants on Wednesday, June 10.
New trail opens connecting Clifty Falls State Park to Madison’s riverwalk

MADISON, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the City of Madison celebrated the opening of the Clifty Connector Trail with a ribbon-cutting, which aligns with Governor Mike Braun’s focus on making Indiana healthy and supporting time outdoors.

Columbus drug dealer sentenced to 9 years

Share

More from Latest News

Search