On Monday, July 20, 2015, Indiana State Police Superintendent Douglas G. Carter announced the promotion of Detective Samuel J. Stearley of the Putnamville District to the rank of Sergeant, where he will serve as a Crime Scene Investigator. Stearley received his promotion through written testing and a competitive interview process.
As a Crime Scene Investigator, a portion of his duties will include, but not be limited to, responding and conducting crime scene investigations, preserving, collecting and documenting forensic evidence, providing crime scene testimony for trials, and assisting officers and agencies with matters concerning crime scene investigations. Sergeant Stearley’s office will be at the Putnamville Post where he will primarily be responsible for crime scene investigations within the Putnamville District, but may be utilized anywhere else in the state.
Sergeant Stearley is a 27 year veteran of the ISP having graduated from the 45th Recruit School on December 19, 1987. He was initially assigned to the Indiana Toll Road District and ultimately transferred to the former Terre Haute Post in 1989 and primarily patrolled Clay County. In 2008, Stearley earned a position as a detective and has been in that position until his recent promotion to Crime Scene Investigator. Sergeant Stearley served one year as a field training officer, four years on the Tactical Intervention Platoon, and five years in marijuana eradication. He is a past Speed Timing Device instructor and most recently a 24-year Firearms Instructor. Stearley is also the recipient of a Certificate of Appreciation from the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General.
Detective Stearley is a Clay County native having graduated from Brazil High School and attended Ivy Tech Community College. He is married with four children and resides in rural Clay County with his wife Kelsey.
