Hanover Man Receives Lengthy Sentence For Trafficking Fentanyl

This outcome reflects the importance of thorough and steadfast prosecution

Jefferson County, Indiana (March 27, 2025) — Joseph “Hunter” Ehlers, 24, of Hanover, Indiana, was sentenced to 17 ½ years by Jefferson Circuit Court Judge D.J. Mote on March 26, 2025, following his conviction for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug, a Level 2 Felony. The investigation was led by the City of Madison Police Department.

“Fentanyl is an incredibly potent and dangerous drug, with even small amounts leading to fatal overdoses.  Law enforcement in Jefferson County have responded to over 250 overdose calls in the past three years,” said Prosecutor David Sutter.  “We commend the dedication and hard work of the City of Madison Police Department in removing a fentanyl dealer from our streets.  Their efforts are saving lives and protecting our community.”

The investigation, led by City of Madison Police Department Detectives Kyle Cutshaw and Ricky Harris, began in late August of 2024.  Law enforcement had prior information that Ehlers was a source of counterfeit medication containing fentanyl.  Using a confidential informant, a controlled buy of fentanyl was arranged for August 29, 2024.  Ehlers agreed to deal 2 grams of fentanyl to the informant and instructed the informant to meet at the Heritage Trail.  The informant told Ehlers that they were obtaining the fentanyl for their “uncle”. Another controlled buy was conducted on September 2, 2024, where Ehlers agreed to deliver 3.5 grams of fentanyl to the informant at the Verizon Wireless store on the hilltop.  Again, the informant told Ehlers that the fentanyl was for their “uncle”. Following the September 2, 2024, transaction, Ehlers indicated that he wanted to meet the informant’s “uncle”. 

MPD Detectives reached out to an undercover detective, who agreed to pose as the informant’s “uncle”. The undercover officer went with the informant to an additional controlled purchase of fentanyl on September 5, 2024.  Ehlers agreed to deliver 3.5 grams of fentanyl and arranged a meeting location at the Heritage Trail.  The undercover detective received the fentanyl directly from Ehlers and also observed the handle of a handgun in Ehlers’ waistband. Ehlers exchanged numbers with the undercover detective and then began directly communicating with him about additional deals.  On September 23, 2024, Ehlers met the undercover detective at the parking lot across the street from the Circle K in downtown Madison and sold him an additional 3.5 grams of fentanyl. 

Ehlers was arrested on October 17, 2024, by the City of Madison Police Department.  He was found in possession of fentanyl, a Glock 9 mm handgun, and over $1,000.00 in cash.  The fentanyl that was dealt by Ehlers was sent to the Indiana State Police Laboratory for testing.  Some of the fentanyl dealt by Ehlers was found to contain xylazine, an animal tranquilizer that has been linked to overdose deaths nationwide.

Sutter also thanked Drug Interdiction Prosecutor, Michaelia Gilbert, for her efforts in securing the conviction. “This outcome reflects the importance of thorough and steadfast prosecution, we truly appreciate her invaluable contributions to this case.”

Ehlers will serve 17 ½ years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction. The City of Madison Police Department was assisted in their investigation by the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police.