Jennings County deputies bust pair for drugs, firearms, intimidation, other violations

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) received information on Wednesday, September 2, that Jacob Layton, 29, of North Vernon, was threatening JCSO deputies.

Layton allegedly had a firearm and had specifically identified three Jennings County Sheriff’s Deputies by name and made specific threats toward them. 

Due to the nature and seriousness of the threats, an arrest warrant was issued for Layton, and JCSO requested a Jennings County Circuit Court search warrant for the firearm. Due to Layton's status as a Serious Violent Felon, the information regarding his possession of a firearm was treated as a serious public safety concern.

To ensure the warrants were safely executed, JCSO asked the Indiana State Police S.W.A.T. Team to assist. On Wednesday at 11:30 a.m., law enforcement responded to an address on Covyshire Circle in Country Squire Lakes to serve the warrants.

The suspect was taken into custody. Angela Davis, who was also at the residence, was detained during the investigation.

During the search of the residence, deputies reportedly found a firearm with its serial number removed, along with Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

Layton and Davis are now residing at the Jennings County Jail, pending further court proceedings.

Layton is being held on the following preliminary charges:

• Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon (Level 4 Felony)
• Possession of a Firearm with Altered/Obliterated Serial Number (Level 5 Felony)
• Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of a Narcotic Drug (Level 6 Felony)
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor)
• Three counts of Intimidation (Level 6 Felony)
• Operating a Vehicle Without Ever Receiving a License (Class C Misdemeano)

Davis is being held on the following preliminary charges:

• Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
• Obstruction of Justice (Level 6 Felony)
• Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony)
• Possession of Paraphernalia (Class C Misdemeanor)

All charges listed are preliminary and are subject to review and determination by the Jennings County Prosecutor’s Office and the courts. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.