Appeals Court upholds prison sentence of Dillsboro man

(LAWRENCEBURG, Ind.) – A Dillsboro man will likely spend the majority of his life in prison. 

The Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction and sentence of Billy Gene Luke received in 2024. 

He was convicted on two counts of Stalking and 15 counts of Invasion of Privacy as a jury found that he violated numerous court-mandated protected orders. 

He received a prison sentence totaling 61 years due to aggravating circumstances, an extensive criminal history, lack of remorse and the impact on the victim. 

“The Court further found that the nature and circumstances of the offenses were egregious. The evidence established a sustained pattern of harassment, intimidation and threatening communications directed at the victim from multiple correctional facilities while the defendant was incarcerated,” said Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens. 

She added, “Additionally, the Court found that the harm to the victim far exceeded what is typically associated with offenses of this nature.”

The Court recommended Luke receive a maximum security placement and that his mail privileges be restricted and monitored. 

The Indiana Department of Correction currently has estimate prison release date of 2068. 

"Mr. Luke carried out a continuous pattern of stalking behavior, whether free in the community or confined behind bars," stated Deddens. "I commend Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Watson and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Wilson for their diligence and perseverance in sustaining the conviction and sentence. The victim in this case endured years of ongoing and repeated stalking and harassment by Mr. Luke, despite on going criminal cases