Benton County – An investigation began on February 14, 2023, when the Benton County Sheriff's Department received a complaint from a subject, later identified to be Zachary Bowers, 30, from Oxford, IN. Bowers reported to the Benton County Sheriff's Office that Michael Marquess, an Oxford Town Marshal, was harassing his wife over Facebook Messenger and sent an unsolicited nude photo. Bowers also reported that Marquess had sent him threatening messages.
After taking the initial complaint, the Benton County Sheriff requested the assistance of the Indiana State Police. After serving numerous search warrants and conducting interviews, detectives from the Lafayette Post were able to determine that Bowers made false allegations against Marquess. The investigation indicated that Bowers had created a fake Facebook account that appeared to be Marquess. Bowers used the fake account to send unsolicited messages to his wife and send himself threatening messages.
As a result of the original complaint, Marquess was placed on administrative leave. Once detectives were able to determine the allegations against him were false, Marquess returned to duty.
After a thorough investigation, the case was presented to the Benton County Prosecutor. On March 30, 2023, a warrant was issued for Bowers’ arrest, and he turned himself in to the Benton County Sheriff's Department at the Benton County Jail.
Arrested and charges listed on the warrant:
- Zachary Bowers, 30, from Oxford, IN
- Identity Deception - Level 6 Felony
- False Informing - Class A Misdemeanor
There is no further information to release at this time.
*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.