Docs: Henry County woman arrested after bribing sheriff with free haircuts

HENRY COUNTY, Ind. — A Henry County woman was arrested earlier this month on bribery charges after she reportedly told deputies that she would provide free haircuts if she did not go to jail.

According to court documents, 49-year-old Angela Showalter was arrested on the following charges:

• One count of bribery, a Level 5 felony
• One count of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, with a prior conviction within seven years, a Level 6 felony
• One misdemeanor count of public intoxication.

At around 12:35 a.m. on May 9, Henry County deputies were told by dispatch to “be on the lookout” for a Buick Verano that was “driving all over the roadway” near South Memorial Drive. Documents said that the vehicle, which was found to be registered to Showalter, was found parked in a parking lot of a nearby liquor store.

When a deputy spoke with Showalter, the driver of the vehicle, the documents said the deputy reportedly smelled alcohol coming from the vehicle. The deputy also reported that Showalter had slurred speech and glassy eyes.

The complainant reportedly told deputies Showalter was drifting while driving. The documents said that she reportedly was swerving and almost hit a guard rail and blocked lanes of travel.

When the deputy asked Showalter if she had anything to drink, she reportedly responded by saying:

“No, sir, I have not and my keys aren’t in my car either.”

Later, Showalter reportedly admitted to driving and pulling into the parking lot. The documents state that Showalter blew a 0.217 in a portable breath test, which is more than twice the legal limit. Showalter was then taken to the Henry County Jail.

While the deputy and Showalter were traveling to the jail, Showalter reportedly asked the deputy to call Henry County Sheriff John Sproles.

“Showalter told (the deputy) that she will give (Sproles’) children free haircuts because she cuts their hair,” the documents said. “(The deputy) asked Showalter if she wanted (the deputy) to call Sheriff Sproles to tell him that she will cut his children’s hair for free in order for her to not go to jail and she said ‘yes.'”

As a search warrant was being approved for a blood test, Showalter reportedly made “concerning” comments that the deputy said “a sober person would not say.”

While crying, Showalter reportedly said:

“Pretty please don’t. What can I do? Free haircuts for life? Yup, that is bribery. Just stop it… This is going to ruin my life! At least I’m a working white woman.”

According to court documents, Showalter’s pretrial conference is scheduled for Aug. 29 and Showalter’s jury trial is scheduled for Sept. 30.

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