Steven Benson, 44, Greenfield
HANCOCK COUNTY — In an effort to show the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office takes all crimes against citizens seriously, a Greenfield man has been sentenced to the maximum amount available, a 910 day term, for an invasion of privacy charge following a jury trial earlier this year.
Steven Benson, 44, 100 block of North Pennsylvania Street, was officially charged and found guilty of a Level 6 felony charge of invasion of privacy and officially sentenced March 22 in Hancock County Circuit Court.
The full term is to be executed in the Hancock County Jail. The 910 days is the maximum sentence for a Level 6 Felony in the State of Indiana, officials said.
Benson was told by the Court his sentence could be modified if he completes certain rehabilitative programming while incarcerated.
While Benson was found not guilty by a jury on two other charges in the case, a Level 5 felony count of domestic battery and a Level 6 felony count of intimidation, county law enforcement officials say they are pleased with the outcome of the case.
“I am satisfied with this sentence because I believe it sends a strong message that we take no contact orders seriously,” said Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton. “It has no place in our society and my office will vigorously prosecute these cases.”
The incident occurred July 13, 2023, when officials from the Greenfield Police Department (GPD) responded to a report of a disturbance at North Pennsylvania Street Apartments.
Officials with the Hancock County Prosecutor’s Office say they are grateful for the diligent investigation conducted by the GPD, particularly officer Jeremy Oakes, who went above and beyond in his efforts to help the State achieve this outcome.
