As a law enforcement agency, the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney requires a Division that is in constant conversation with Elkhart County police departments. The Investigation Division works both independently and with other law enforcement agencies to gather supplementary information and evidence in criminal investigations.
Like all law enforcement agencies, the Investigation Division receives cases through prescribed channels. Whether working on a current criminal case or a cold/unresolved homicide, the Investigation Division appreciates any information the public can provide.
Chief Investigator Windbigler is a lifetime resident of Elkhart County who began his law enforcement career in 1982 during his enlistment in the United States Marine Corps where he served as a Military Policeman assigned to Presidential Support Unit. After being honorably discharged in 1986, he worked for the Elkhart County Sheriff's Department as a corrections officer. In 1987, he joined the Elkhart Police Department where he served the last 24 years in a variety of positions which include Elkhart County Drug Task Force Officer, K-9 officer, Bike Unit Supervisor, Uniform Supervisor, Detective, Anti-Crime Unit Supervisor, Patrol Commander, Criminal Investigations Commander and the Special Response Team Commander. The last 3 years his role was the police department's spokesperson (Public Information Officer). Chief Investigator Windbigler is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy (FBINA 228).
Investigator Kenawell began his law enforcement career in 1972 with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department as a uniform patrol officer and served as an undercover drug investigator and served 16 years as a detective. Following his employment with the Sheriff’s Department he was a manager in the private security industry from 1994 to 2003 when he joined the Prosecutor’s Office. Investigator Kenawell has a certificate of Police Administration from the Southern Police Institute at the University of Louisville. Gary is highly skilled in interviewing and criminal interrogation, and is a former Marine.
Investigator Gizzi began his law enforcement career in 1972 with the Cassopolis, Michigan Police Department. He served with the Cass County, Michigan Sheriff’s Department for 29 years, and as a detective for 26 of those years. Investigator Gizzi was Chief Investigator for the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office prior to joining the Elkhart County Prosecutor’s Office in 2003. Dave is a skilled polygraph examiner, police hypnotist, firearms instructor and served in the United States Army.
Full-fledged investigations aid in the prosecution of criminals.
