Docs: Former Brown County surveyor accused of funneling $70,000+ of county funds into business

NASHVILLE, Ind. — A former surveyor in Brown County is accused of funneling more than $70,000 in county funds into his own business while he was in the elected position.

According to court documents, 70-year-old David Harden was charged in Brown County with:

• One count of corrupt business influence, a Level 5 felony
• Three counts of official misconduct, each a Level 6 felony
• Three counts of conflict of interest, each a Level 6 felony
• Three counts of fraud – loss is between $750 and $50,000, each a Level 6 felony

According to court documents, an investigation into Harden’s conduct began in March. Harden, the county’s former elected surveyor, is also the owner of Bennett and Associates, a surveying business.

The documents allege that while in the elected position, Harden submitted three invoices to the Brown County Auditor’s Office for hundreds of section corner work in Brown County from the business he owns. The invoices, totaling $71,600, included:

• Dec. 8, 2022 – $21,000
• Nov. 16, 2023 – $24,500
• Nov. 21, 2024 – $26,100

Under Indiana law, the county surveyor is required to have 5% of all section corner work in the county surveyed by a licensed surveyor. While Harden owned the surveying business, he himself was not a licensed surveyor.

The court documents also allege that a conflict of interest form was not filled out by Harden surrounding the invoices and the completed work in Brown County.

During an interview with Harden, he admitted to submitting the invoices from his company while he was the county’s surveyor. Harden also admitted to not filing the conflict of interest statement.

Harden reportedly told investigators that a family member completed the section corner work in the county, and then a professional licensed surveyor would review and approve the work. The professional licensed surveyor, as well as the family member, both denied in respective interviews with investigators that they completed section corner work from 2022 to 2024.

In a statement provided to FOX59/CBS4 by the Brown County Board of Commissioners, officials said that at this time, the county is unable to provide further details as it continues to be under investigation.

“Once we receive additional information and are authorized to share it, we will ensure that the public is kept informed,” the statement read. “Our priority is to work closely with the state to bring this matter to a conclusion as quickly as possible. The county is fully cooperating with investigators, and we remain committed to mitigating any potential issues arising from this situation.”

According to court documents, a $2,000 cash bond was received by the Brown County Clerk’s office on Sept. 29. Harden’s initial hearing is scheduled for Oct. 16.