Sheriff: Terre Haute felon sentenced to fed prison for loaded gun

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

SULLIVAN COUNTY-- A Terre Haute woman's arrest around three months ago on drug and gun charges in Sullivan County has resulted in a six -and- a -half year federal prison sentence following a joint investigation with the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office and the FBI.

During the traffic stop southeast of Sullivan Feb. 17, Sullivan Co. Sheriff's Office deputies not only discovered Harmony A. Gibbons, 40,  had an expired drivers license, they also found the suspect was in possession of gun that was loaded and ready to fire.

Reportedly, Gibbons' criminal history includes a prior conviction of dealing in methamphetamine and possession of meth. Yesterday, she was indicted federally and convicted in the Southern District of Indiana United States District Court in Indianapolis on the charge of felon in possession of a firearm.

Sheriff Clark Cottom said the danger presented at the time was very serious, especially considering the contents of her purse and vehicle.

"This should serve as a clear message to drug dealers attempting to do business in or passing through Sullivan County. We have increased patrols and stepped up enforcement. You will be arrested. And when that occurs we will not hesitate to have you federally indicted," Cottom said.

According to the report, Gibbons initially refused to forfeit her purse to the arresting deputies. She subsequently was placed in handcuffs and the purse seized and a .25 semi-auto handgun, with  a round in the chamber, was located inside the purse.

Cottom explained that Gibbons' bag contained several illegal items:

• The handgun safety selector was in found in the 'fire' position.
• Marijuana
• Meth
• Digital scale, as well as a syringe that contained a small amount of blood in the bottom.

• An inventory of the vehicle revealed additional drug paraphernalia
• More than $3,500  cash hidden behind the drivers side door panel. 

Cottom  said he reached out to the F.B.I. Wabash Valley Safe Streets Task Force shortly after the charges and consulting with Sullivan County Prosecutor John Springer about the firearm in the purse and the severe nature of the case.

 Gibbons signed a plea agreement in Federal Court  yesterday and was sentenced to seventy- eight (78) months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons plus a $1000 fine. She will be on supervised release for a period of three years after her release from prison.