SULLIVAN COUNTY—  A Linton woman allegedly obtained several items from two Sullivan County charities after using a fabricated story about a family suffering from cancer in need of Christmas gifts for young children.

However, investigation led police to believe the gifts were used for her own two children. 
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Indiana State Police arrested Laken Rochelle Lewis, 23, this morning at 11:45 a.m. after she turned herself in to ISP at the Sullivan County Jail.  She is charged with misdemeanor deception.

According to ISP Sgt. Joe Watts, representatives of the Christmas for Kids in Sullivan County and the Sons of Honor charities contacted the Indiana State Police at Putnamville requesting an investigation into allegations of deception. 

"The Christmas for Kids in Sullivan County and the Sons of Honor responded by providing toys, groceries, household items and quilts," Watts said, noting that soon after providing the items, members of the charity became suspicious and contacted authorities on Dec. 15.
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The case was investigated by ISP Detective First Sergeant Jason Fajt. Assisting was Sullivan County Prosecutor John Springer.

CLAY COUNTY—  One person was injured when a semi-truck hauling coal flipped over this afternoon after a pick-up truck pulled out in front of traffic in Clay County.

Roy Zimmerman, 66, of Shelburn, was transported to a Sullivan County hospital for treatment of abrasions and complaint of pain. Zimmerman was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

​The tractor-trailer was driven by Robert Sullivan, 50, of Linton, and owned by Pat’s Excavating of Terre Haute. Sullivan was not injured and not cited, according to the report.

Indiana State Police and Clay County emergency agencies responded to the two-vehicle crash on SR 159 near CR 1300 S. just before 1 p.m.

ISP Sgt. Joe Watts explained that the red 1998 Chevrolet pickup, Zimmerman was driving, was westbound from a private drive at 13105 S. SR 159 , and attempted to proceed southbound onto SR 159.
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"In doing so, he pulled into the path of a southbound 1986 Freightliner tractor pulling a dump trailer loaded with coal. The tractor-trailer attempted to maneuver around the pickup, but could not avoid impact. The tractor-trailer traveled off the roadway and rolled onto its passenger side," Watts said.

The crash was investigated by ISP Trooper Brandon Mullen. Assisting were Clay County Sheriff’s Office, CARE ambulance, and Lewis Township Fire/Rescue.