WABASH COUNTY, IN- On the morning of February 4, 2025, the Indiana State Police conducted a motor vehicle investigation involving two vehicles that occurred on SR 124 west of CR 800 E. As a result of the investigation, Steven C. Hamblen was charged with Count 1: Causing Death or Catastrophic Injury When Operating a Vehicle with a Schedule 1 or 2 Controlled Substance in the Blood, Level 4 Felony and Count 2: Operating a Vehicle While Intoxicated Causing Death or Catastrophic Injury, Level 4 Felony.
On November 24, 2025, Mr. Hamblen plead guilty to Count 1: Causing Death or Catastrophic Injury When Operating a Vehicle with a Schedule 1 or 2 Controlled Substance in the Blood, Level 4 Felony. The sentence was left to the Court’s discretion with a cap of executed time of 10 years.
On January 15, 2026, a sentencing hearing was conducted in the Wabash Circuit Court. Mr. Hamblen was sentenced to 12 years to the Indiana Department of Correction with 10 years executed and 2 years suspended to formal probation. Under Indiana law, a 12 year sentence is the maximum sentence permitted by statute for a Level 4 Felony.
Wabash County Deputy Prosecutor Bryan J. Michaud represented the State of Indiana and the Defendant was represented by Attorney Elden Stoops of North Manchester, IN.
