An arrest warrant that was issued for Jason Q. Daugherty last week after he failed to show up for his final day of trial, was served in the early morning hours of October 6 at a residence in Jennings County.

Prosecutor Ric Hertel was relieved to know Daugherty was in custody. He told The Versailles Republican, “I had concerns for some of the non-law enforcement witnesses who testified at the trial.” He further noted that the defendant will not have the opportunity to bond out of jail until his sentencing, which has been set for November 1. Knowing he is behind bars is a relief for the prosecutor.

Several police agencies worked in cooperation after they received a tip that Daugherty could be at the residence on County Road 750 E. in Columbia Township, near Nebraska.

A press release noted when officers pulled into the driveway of the home, the individual (Daugherty) fled out the rear of the residence. He was met by several officers who were waiting in a field. Daugherty was taken into custody without further incident.

After getting a tip that there could be a meth lab in a camper on the property where Daugherty was, officers were granted permission to search it, but didn’t find anything there.

Daugherty had been convicted of Conspiracy to Manufacture Methamphetamine in a jury trial in Ripley County Circuit Court last week. The defendant wasn’t present for the final day of trial nor for the verdict, which was on Thursday, September 30. Daugherty was in court for the first two days of the three-day trial in Judge Carl Taul’s court. Sentencing could not be set until the defendant was located.

Officers from not only the Ripley County Sheriff’s Office, but Decatur and Jennings as well, along with town marshals from Holton and Versailles, and the Indiana State Police were involved in the arrest of Daugherty.