In what can only be described as a bold stand for personal freedom—or a deeply misguided attempt of attention-seeking—55-year-old Ernest J. Trumpold of Greencastle has cemented his place in small-town notoriety by gracing the public with more of himself than anyone ever asked for.
According to the Indiana State Police – Putnamville District, Trumpold was arrested for not one, but two valiant counts of Public Nudity, Class B Misdemeanors. That’s right, folks—this wasn’t just a one-time lapse in pants-related judgment. It was a commitment to the cause, if you will.
The drama unfolded near the 400 block of Manhattan Road, a place now forever etched in local memory as “where the incident, you know, the incident happened.” Master Trooper Detective Ryan Winters responded to reports from concerned citizens—who had clearly seen enough—that a man was out and about, in the altogether, in all his full glory, with no regard for age-appropriate eyeballs.
“Children were present,” the report stated, confirming that Ernest Trumpold’s audience wasn’t limited to consenting adults or curious neighborhood squirrels. No word yet on whether therapy coupons will be distributed in the neighborhood.
The Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office filed official charges on March 31st, thus proving once again that even in 2025, you can’t just wander around like you’re auditioning for a Renaissance statue modeling gig. Trumpold was arrested on an active warrant, though thankfully without incident—because nothing complicates a nudity arrest like a foot chase and subsequent ground struggle.
After spending a brief, likely more fully clothed stint in the Putnam County Jail, Trumpold posted bond and presumably put on pants… at least to leave the building. No official statement has been made by Trumpold, though residents have reportedly muttered “Please, no more statements. Or visuals.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether Trumpold’s next public appearance will be clothed or not, but for now, Manhattan Road residents are sleeping easier, knowing that their streets are temporarily less… breezy.
Counts: Public Nudity – 2, Dignity – 0
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until, and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.