GREENSBURG – Local law enforcement personnel recently confiscated a large amount of methamphetamine and cash as part of a drug investigation that focused on a residence at Lake McCoy, located a few miles east of Greensburg and north of Ind. 46. According to a news release from Greensburg Chief of Police Brendan Bridges, Wednesday (Aug. 19), Rebecca Stuart, 58, Greensburg, was arrested on a warrant for two counts of dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony. During the investigation, Greensburg detectives seized more than 250 grams of methamphetamine during the execution of a search warrant at her residence. Also seized during the investigation was more than $80,000 in cash. Stuart had bonded out of jail on her initial warrant, but was later arrested on the new charge of dealing in methamphetamine. “The Greensburg Police Department would like to again thank the Indiana State Police, Decatur County Sheriff’s Department and Westport Police Department with their assistance in this investigation,” Chief Bridges said. The chief also noted that criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

DECATUR COUNTY – The Decatur County Traffic Safety Partnership (TSP) (Decatur County Sheriff’s Office, Greensburg Police Department, New Point Police Department, St. Paul Police Department, and Westport Police Department) will be conducting overtime patrols during the holidays, thanks to an $11,400 traffic safety improvement grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The funds, distributed by the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, are part of the state’s “Click It to Live It” program, which works to promote seat belt usage and reduce impaired driving – in an effort to prevent traffic injuries and fatal crashes in Indiana. “The simple fact is, no matter who you are or what you drive, wearing your seat belt is one of the best ways to keep you and your family safe on the road,” said Robert Duckworth, Director of Traffic Safety, ICJI. “That’s why we’re asking all motorists to Click it to Live it this holiday season – it’s your life. Don’t wait to get pulled over.” Millions of Americans will travel our nation’s highways during the holidays to visit family and friends. With more vehicles on the road, the chances of being involved in a crash increase greatly. According to the most recent data available, 53% of passengers killed in fatal crashes were not wearing seatbelts and 63.5% of speeding related fatalities were unrestrained. To combat this and save lives, Indiana police agencies will continue to enforce seat belt, speeding and other traffic laws, especially during the holiday season. “Why do we enforce traffic laws? To prevent the crashes, injuries and deaths that hurt our community,” said Sheriff Dave Durant. “The holidays are all about spending time with friends and family, so don’t miss out on what makes this time of year so great. Buckle up—every seat, every time—and use a sober driver.” It’s your Life Indiana has a primary seat belt law, meaning that police officers may ticket unrestrained drivers or passengers, even if no other traffic violation has taken place. ICJI and the Purdue University Center for Road Safety estimate that in 2019 about 95 percent of Hoosiers buckle up. But the small amount of drivers and passengers not wearing seat belts made up more than half of Indiana’s fatal crashes. Parents and caregivers who don’t buckle up are more likely to have unbuckled kids as adults set the example. Motor vehicle crashes are a leading and increasing cause of death for children age 14 and younger. In Indiana, all passengers under age 8 must be in an approved car seat or booster seat, and unrestrained children under 16 are the driver’s responsibility. For more information about seat belts visit http://on.IN.gov/buckleup. Choose the safest car seat for your child’s height and weight at https://on.in.gov/therightseat. Find a certified car-seat safety technician to assist with installation at https://on.in.gov/child-seat-tech or through the SaferCar app on iTunes or Google Play. Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over NHTSA and ICJI purchased more than 2,600 portable breath test devices for 150 Indiana lawenforcement agencies in 2018 to assist in establishing probable cause when arresting drunk drivers. In every state, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. In Indiana, drivers under 21 with a BAC of .02 or higher are subject to fines and a license suspension for up to 1 year. Impaired driving includes more than alcohol, and there is no quick field test for the many prescription, over-the-counter and illegal drugs that can impair drivers. Among drivers killed in fatal collisions who had reported drug and alcohol test results, 38% were alcohol impaired and 45% tested positive for one or more drugs. Taking a new drug or a higher dose? Talk with a doctor or don’t drive until you know what effects it has. Even over-the-counter medication can cause impairment, especially when combined with alcohol or a second drug. With all of today’s options for getting home safely, there’s no excuse for getting behind the wheel impaired as it endangers you and everyone else around you. Law enforcement recommends these safe alternatives to impaired driving: • Designate, or be, a sober driver. • Call a cab or a ridesharing service. • Download the SaferRide mobile app on the Android Play Store or the Apple iTunes Store. This app only has three options: call a taxi, call a friend, and identify your location for pickup. • Celebrate at home or a place where you can stay until sober. • Throwing a party? Offer non-alcoholic beverages and plenty of food. • Never provide alcohol to minors. • Friend or family member about to drive? Take the keys and make alternate arrangements. For more information about drunk driving visit http://on.IN.gov/drivesober and to learn about drugimpaired driving visit http://on.in.gov/drivehighDUI.

GREENSBURG – Local children and first responders from all over the county gathered in the First Baptist Church of Greensburg gymnasium Saturday morning to enjoy a warm breakfast, listen to a story about seasonal festivities, visit with Santa, play some Christmas games, and then be taken by bus to the Greensburg Walmart Super Center to enjoy a Christmas shopping trip. Greensburg, St. Paul, New Point, Westport, Adams, Burney and Lake Santee law enforcement and emergency response personnel were on hand to share the love of the season with more than 100 children, compliments of the kindness of multiple local donors, the First Baptist Church of Greensburg, and just about every first responder in the county. Reserve police officer Braiden Ryle described the event. “I would say that over 75 first responders from all over the county, plus over 50 high school kids, service groups and a football team came out this morning to help, as well as the Greensburg Honor Society,” he said. Each attending child was invited to enjoy the morning which included a shopping trip to Walmart with the privilege of choosing clothing, school supplies and a toy. “It was very, very busy this morning,” said Officer Chris Bridges, who was tasked with the job of portraying a Santa Claus look-a-like. The North Decatur football team worked shifts doing Story Time, and the GCHS Honor Society traveled to Walmart to help with shopping. After the third bus load of children, the event came to a close. “I think this is the biggest this event has ever been,” Ryle said.

WESTPORT – Deputies from the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department responded to a single-vehicle crash in a rural area of southern Decatur County Thursday morning. Before deputies arrived, the driver and passenger, both juveniles, fled on foot into the nearby woods. Deputies soon learned the car had been stolen earlier that morning in Marion County, and one of the juveniles involved had fled after removing a court-ordered electronic tracking device. An expansive and lengthy ground serve was conducted with both officers and canines. The Westport Town Marshals, Greensburg Police Department, Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, and Indiana State Police worked alongside the DCSD for the search. Late Thursday afternoon, the two juveniles were spotted in a wooded area east of Westport, and police quickly responded. Both juveniles we immediately detained and transported to Decatur County Memorial Hospital for examination of minor scrapes and bruises. They were soon released from the hospital when no serious injuries were found. After further investigation and consultation with prosecutors and a judge, DCSD deputies transported the juveniles to different county facilities Thursday evening, where they will be detained until appearing in court. Decatur County Sheriff Dave Durant sent out a press release about the incident, thanking the involved agencies for their assistance. Durant also thanked Decatur County Communications and the Decatur County Prosecutor’s Office for their support and assistance during the incident. “The DCSD, in coordination with its partner public safety agencies, constantly strives to keep Decatur County’s citizens safe from criminal and other dangerous acts,” Durant said.

WESTPORT — Preliminary charges have been filed against a Westport man in conjunction with a reported stabbing incident that took place Tuesday afternoon. According to information provided by the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, following an investigation, Steven M. Smith, 39, was arrested after being medically cleared and charged with attempted murder, a Level 1 Felony. An issued statement from Decatur County Sheriff Dave Durant said on Jan. 8 the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department was part of a joint effort that responded to reports of a stabbing in Westport. Westport Police led the investigation and Indiana State Police also assisted. During the investigation, it was learned that two individuals had suffered injury. Both were provided with medical treatment. According to a police report, Smith allegedly pinned a man down before piercing his sternum area with a knife. The police report said when the injured man was found he had three stab wounds and was “bleeding profusely.” The report also said when the injured man tried to escape, Smith allegedly stabbed him again in the lower right abdomen, which police said was a “much deeper cut” and resulted in a “great deal” of bleeding. The victim then reportedly grabbed a nearby pipe, which he swung and connected with the side of Smith’s head. The injured man was then reportedly able to retreat to a vehicle. The report said police were told that Smith had been “speaking erratically” and indicating a violent frame of mind. As a result of the reported incident, South Decatur schools were placed on lockdown until approximately 3:15 p.m. Tuesday. “This incident had several moving parts including a lockdown for the safety of the children at South Decatur Elementary and South Decatur Jr./Sr. High School,” Durant said. “All safety protocols worked exactly as they should and were coordinated by School Resource Officer (SRO) Pat Richards. Due to the tremendous cooperation of all law enforcement agencies involved, along with Letts and Westport Fire Department personnel, any danger to the public was quickly resolved.” Durant said he is grateful to the men and women in uniform who responded, which led to a quick resolution, as well as to employees with Decatur County Community Schools for their prompt response and efficiency to prepare to keep students safe. Durant noted that all people accused are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and the accusations included herein are only allegations.

WESTPORT – Following a months-long investigation by the Westport Town Marshal’s office and Indiana State Police, multiple arrests were made Tuesday. The investigation began with numerous reports of a high volume of foot and car traffic by “known drug users” in and out of Stephen Capper’s Westport residence, according to a police report filed by Indiana State Trooper Jordan Craig. Craig was working with a cooperating source, whose identity was kept unknown for their safety. That person will be referred to as CS for this article. CS contacted Trooper Craig Tuesday, saying they had received a quantity of methamphetamine from Capper, 36. CS also stated Capper was their primary source of methamphetamine and they had received the drug from him on multiple occasions. A quantity of methamphetamine was located in CS’s apartment during a consensual search. While Trooper Craig was preparing a search warrant for Capper’s home, Decatur County dispatch received a drug-related call about the home. According to his report, Craig chose to pause preparations of the search warrant and attempt to speak with Capper to prevent the destruction of any potential evidence. Upon arrival at the Westport home, Trooper Craig found three people on the porch, one of whom retrieved Capper, who came outside but did not wish to speak with police. The others present, Nathan McCarter, Michelle Imel, and Allen Gearhart, were all detained at the scene as they were armed with “one or more fixed and folding blade knives” and outnumbered the ISP troopers present, the report indicates. Once the search warrant was secured, the following items were discovered at the home. On the front porch in a purse located between McCarter and Imel, police found a hypodermic syringe containing a substance which field tested positive for methamphetamine. Craig’s report states both McCarter and Imel said they had been sleeping in the residence before police arrived and admitted to using methamphetamine in the previous 72 hours. Gearhart admitted to entering the residence prior to the arrival of police. Inside the home’s attached garage, a “quantity of methamphetamine residue” was found on a piece of furniture. According to the police report, Capper told Craig he had used methamphetamine with his friends at the home that day. He further stated he has used the drug more than once weekly at his residence. The report states that Capper confirmed statements made by CS that he had given CS methamphetamine that day, along with another person. With Capper’s permission, Craig viewed the contents of Capper’s cell phone, which yielded text messages “consistent with the distribution of illicit drugs.” Capper was arrested and transported to the Decatur County Jail without incident. He has been preliminarily charged with dealing methamphetamine, a level 5 felony, possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony, maintaining a common nuisance, a level 6 felony, and neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony. Trooper Craig also filed a habitual offender sentencing enhancement for Capper due to three previous unrelated felony convictions in the past 10 years. Capper was convicted of possession of a controlled substance in 2010, operating a vehicle while intoxicated in 2011, and dealing methamphetamine in 2014. Imel, 35, of New Point, was arrested and charged with possession of a syringe, a level 6 felony, possession of methamphetamine, a level 6 felony, and visiting a common nuisance, a class B misdemeanor. McCarter, 26, of Westport, was arrested and charged with visiting a common nuisance, a class B misdemeanor. Gearhart, 30, of Westport, was arrested and charged with visiting a common nuisance, a class B misdemeanor. Capper appeared via video from the jail for his initial hearing. A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf and bond was set at $100,000. Tamara Drummond was appointed as Capper’s counsel and a jury trial was scheduled for April 3, 2019.

On March 13th at approximately 10:30 pm, Westport Police Department Officer Damon Land initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle without a working license plate light. Officer Land obtained identification from the driver and the passenger. Dispatch informed Officer Land that the passenger, identified as Bruce LeMasters, had an active warrant through Bartholomew County. LeMasters exited the vehicle and was placed in handcuffs. A small metal container reportedly fell from LeMasters' pants. During a search, Officer Land found a glass pipe with white residue in LeMasters' coat and then placed him in the patrol car. Officer Land retrieved the metal container and discovered a plastic bag containing a white crystal like substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine, two clear plastic bags with a green leafy plant substance that field tested positive for marijuana, and two pills identified as Alprazolam. LeMasters initially denied that the container belonged to him, but later admitted that it was his. He agreed to participate in an interview at the Westport Police Department. During the interview, LeMasters reportedly stated that he was buying methamphetamine and marijuana from a woman that he identified as Lisa Oliver. He added that he had been buying from Mrs. Oliver every two weeks for the past year. He identified Oliver's house on CR 700 S. He stated that Oliver's husband, Kenneth, was not aware that his wife was selling methamphetamine but did know that she sells marijuana. According to court documents, LeMasters stated that he purchased approximately 1/2 gram of methamphetamine and 8 grams of marijuana from Mrs. Oliver between 1:00-2:00 pm on March 13th. He said that Mrs. Oliver had what he considered to be a large amount of marijuana in a plastic bag sitting beside her. LeMasters was transported to the Decatur County Jail. Circuit Court Judge Tim Day granted a search warrant for the Oliver's home at 4385 W CR 700 S. Multiple officers from the Westport Police Department and Decatur County Sheriff's Department executed the search warrant at approximately 3:45 am on March 14th. Officer Land knocked on the door and announced he was with the Police Department several times with no response. He then forced entry into the home and found Mr. and Mrs. Oliver. Both suspects were detained and the home was cleared. After the search warrant was read, Mrs. Oliver reportedly stated that she knew why officers were there and said she did not want her home destroyed. She agreed to tell officers the location of all drugs in the home. Mr. Oliver willingly showed where marijuana was kept in the dining room. In the living room, Mrs. Oliver showed where she was keeping her product. She pointed out the location of several carrying bags containing smaller pocket sized pouches containing a green leafy plant substance that field tested positive for marijuana, a white crystal substance that field tested positive for methamphetamine; and a pouch with a white substance that Mrs. Oliver identified, and later field tested positive, as crack cocaine that she stated was for her personal use. According to the police report, Mrs. Oliver stated that she was a local dealer of methamphetamine and marijuana and was selling on a daily basis to local people. Another item found in the dining room was an unmarked pill bottle containing 3 different types of pills. Four pills were identified as Oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Four pills were identified as Morphine, a Schedule II controlled substance. Two pills were identified as Xanax, a Schedule IV controlled substance. During the course of the search warrant in the dining room, the following items were located: -Five smoking devices; -One set of scales; -Four Oxycodone pills; -One Xanax pill; -Three Morphine pills. During the course of the search warrant in the living room, the following items were located: -Two smoking devices; -One set of scales; -Small plastic bags used for packaging; -One smoking device used for crack cocaine; -Two pill grinders with residue, one of which contained 13 Oxycodone pills, 8 Morphine pills, 4 Acetaminophen pills, and 1 Nuvigil pill; -Two cell phones; -Fifteen grams of methamphetamine; -Less than one gram of crack cocaine; -$427.00 cash. Mr. and Mrs. Oliver were transported to the Decatur County Jail. Lisa Oliver, 52 of Greensburg, faces allegations of dealing in methamphetamine (a Level 2 felony); possession of cocaine or a narcotic drug (a Level 6 felony); possession of marijuana (a Class B misdemeanor); 3 counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of paraphernalia (all Class A misdemeanors). She was charged in Superior Court on March 16th. Kenneth Oliver, 58 of Greensburg, faces allegations of possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a common nuisance (both Level 6 felonies); possession of marijuana (a Class B misdemeanor); 3 counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of possession of paraphernalia (all Class A misdemeanors). He was charged in Superior Court on March 16th. Bruce LeMasters, 48 of Westport, faces allegations of possession of methamphetamine (a Level 6 felony); possession of marijuana and two counts of possession of a controlled substance (all Class A misdemeanors); and possession of paraphernalia (a Class C misdemeanor). He was charged in Circuit Court on March 16th. Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

On December 8th at approximately 5:30 pm, Westport Police Department Officer Joe Talkington met with a confidential informant who proved credible and reliable. Officer Talkington was in undercover capacity at that point and the meeting took place at the Westport Police Department. Officer Talkington and the CI participated in an interview regarding a female subject, later identified as Mary "Christy" Naylor. Naylor had reportedly been selling Xanax .25 mg pills for $2.00 each. Officer Arbuckle witnessed Officer Talkington conduct an outer search of the CIs clothing. Nothing was found was during the search. At approximately 6:17 pm, Officer Talkington and the CI left the Police Department and got into a vehicle that was searched before the buy. The CI got in the driver's seat and Officer Talkington got in the back of the vehicle behind the driver's seat. They drove to an address on E. Main Street in Westport, known to be Naylor's residence. Officer Talkington witnessed Naylor come out of the residence. Naylor got in the passenger seat. Officer Talkington witnessed Naylor hand the CI a rolled up tissue like material and observed the CI handing money to Naylor. Naylor then exited the vehicle. Upon returning to the Police Department, the CI and Officer Talkington processed the evidence. They discovered 25 round pills identified as Alprazolam "Xanax" .25 mg, a controlled substance. The tablets were weighed at 5.59 grams including the package. On December 15th, Officer Talkington, in undercover capacity, met with the CI. They discussed a report of a female suspect, Mary "Christy" Naylor selling crystal meth for $100.00. The CI confirmed a meeting with Naylor at an address on E. Main Street in Westport. Officer John Organist went to a location south of the meeting site with a digital camera. The CI was searched prior to the meeting with Naylor. The CI remained in Officer Talkington's view at all times. Officer Talkington witnessed Naylor walking to her vehicle, get in her car, and did a hand-to-hand exchange of money for drugs with the CI. Officer Organist was able to take pictures of the buy. Upon returning to the Police Department, Deputy Arbuckle field tested the crystal substance with a positive indication of methamphetamine with a weight of .95 grams including the packaging. On December 24th, Officer Damon Land was in his vehicle, sitting stationary, on East Main Street in Westport when a small dark passenger car drove by westbound. Officer Land ran the license plate through Decatur County Dispatch and was advised that the plate belonged to a different vehicle. At that point, he initiated a traffic stop. Conservation Officer Andy Hagerty arrived to assist in the stop. The driver, identified as Mary Christine Naylor, advised that the vehicle had been recently sold by her soon to be ex-husband to her father. Naylor was unable to provide any proof of purchase for the vehicle. Officer Land asked for consent to search the vehicle and Naylor gave consent. During the search, a cut straw was found in a small black makeup bag in the glove box. A passenger in the vehicle stated that the straw belonged to her. The straw field tested positive for methamphetamine. The passenger gave Officer Hagerty a cigarette pack containing a cut straw that tested positive for methamphetamine. The passenger reported that Naylor had given her the cigarette pack and asked the passenger to hide it. Although she initially denied it, Naylor eventually admitted that she did hand the cigarette pack to the passenger and asked her to hide it. Mary Naylor, 53 of Westport, faces allegations of dealing in a Schedule IV controlled substance and dealing in methamphetamine (both Level 5 felonies), possession of methamphetamine (a Level 6 felony), and possession of paraphernalia (a Class C misdemeanor). She was charged in Circuit Court on December 28th. Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story said the body was positively identified as that of Jamilyn Valdovia. Westport Town Marshal Joe Talkington clarified that an autopsy will be needed in order to conclusively identify the body found Wednesday. W ESTPORT – The search for a Westport woman missing since June 26 may have ended tragically Wednesday when police discovered a body near the Westport dam. Westport Town Marshal Talkington said a search party was organized to find Jamilyn Valdovia at 10 a.m. Wednesday. Participating in the search were the Westport Town Marshals, Decatur County Sheriff Greg Allen, Westport Volunteer Fire Department, Indiana Conservation Officers, and two volunteers. Westport Fire Department and Decatur County EMT workers were on standby in case anyone was injured. The searchers started at the Westport Dam, Valdovia's last known location. They spread out along the east and west banks, with DNR officers in the water, and began searching to the south. The area south of the dam is heavily wooded and on private property. Talkington said members of the Westport Town Marshals located a body along the east bank in a thicket of bushes approximately one half-mile south of the Westport Dam at around 11:15 a.m. Wednesday. Talkington said it appears the deceased person accessed that part of the land through the water. “I’d like to say thanks for the support of the neighboring properties to the dam for allowing law enforcement to access the property,” Talkington said. “That was a big help. The farm opened up all the gates. It’s a strictly wooded area and the water was up high.” An autopsy is scheduled for Friday. It could take several weeks for the results to be known. Talkington said nothing at the scene led investigators to suspect foul play or suspicious activity. Items believed to belong to Valdovia were found near the remains, including a purse, Talkington said. After the body was located, Talkington said the Decatur County Coroner’s Office, and Indiana State Police (ISP) techs and detectives were contacted to investigate the scene. According to Talkington, ISP will be conducting the ongoing investigation, which is normal procedure for a missing persons case believed to have resulted in a death.

WESTPORT – Eight people were cited with seven people jailed Thursday after a search warrant was served at a W. Washington St. home in Westport. Daniel Smith, 27, of Westport, was arrested by Westport Town Marshals Thursday morning on charges of possession of methamphetamine (level 4 felony), possession of a syringe (level 6 felony), possession of a controlled substance (level 6 felony), possession of marijuana (A misdemeanor) and possession of paraphernalia (C misdemeanor). Smith also received a habitual offender enhancement due to the presence of a minor child and previous felony convictions. Westport Town Marshal Joe Talkington said Smith had recently been bonded out after a three-year jail stay. Talkington believes that Smith’s criminal activity picked up shortly after his release, thanks to the efforts of local citizens working to report crime in the area. Cell phone conversations obtained through a search warrant helped build the case, as did video taken by a concerned resident that shows potted marijuana plants outside the residence. Talkington said the Westport Town Marshals have executed several search warrants at the home in the past, which added credibility to the report of criminal activity. “He has a long criminal history of theft of drugs. He was just released,” Talkington said. “During the investigation, obviously, the crimes haven’t stopped since he’s been out.” Prior to the execution of Thursday’s search warrant, Talkington said the investigation had resulted in other arrests as well. Phone records allegedly indicate that Smith was involved in the sale and distribution of numerous illegal substances. “We want to thank the community in Westport for the information that they provide,” Talkington said. “That’s what started this investigation.” In the execution of the search warrant, officers found multiple illegal items and substances in the residence. Located on the property were 12 marijuana plants, methamphetamine, various forms of marijuana, paraphernalia, syringes, cell phones and tablets, cash and gift cards, and prescription medication. Also cited with 7 total people jailed during the investigation on charges of possession of marijuana and maintaining a common nuisance were Mark Smith, 33; Alice Smith, 63; Myndi Ruiz, 32; Harold A. Smith, 80, Paul Smith, 23; and Nathan Smith, 19, who also received a charge for possession of a controlled substance. Tina Garcia, 26, of Lemon Grove, California, was arrested on a charge of visiting a common nuisance. However, Garcia has an active warrant out of Los Angeles for a “dangerous drug charge,” according to Talkington. The Decatur County Jail will contact law enforcement in California to determine if extradition will take place. Talkington reiterated his gratitude to the people of Westport for their vigilance and willingness to take an active role in improving the health and safety of the town. “I want to thank the community for their efforts and information keeping the town safe and drug-free,” Talkington said.

WESTPORT – A 25-year-old man was arrested Friday night on the suspicion he sexually molested a boy on multiple occasions while the child was in his care. Westport Town Marshal Joe Talkington and Deputy Marshal Ryan Arbuckle headed an investigation into accusations Marecio Palomino, 2600 block of W. CR 850 S., Greensburg, engaged in various forms of sexual conduct with a boy under the age of 14, according to court documents. The incidents are believed to have taken place between September 2014 and December 2015 at a residence in Westport. The child told his parents of the incidents earlier this month, leading to the criminal investigation. The boy met with police and a forensic investigator at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana Oct. 20 and detailed the acts perpetrated by Palomino, which investigators believe took place at least five times. The child said in court documents that Palomino told him not to tell anyone about the alleged abuse. Arbuckle wrote in a police report that he believed the child’s claims were credible. A warrant for Palomino’s arrest was issued the following day. A person close to Palomino told investigators that the suspect had once been suspected of similar abuse by a relative. The witness told police that he believes the previous allegations were not brought to the attention of authorities due to Palomino’s status as a non-citizen of the United States. Talkington told the Daily News that Palomino was arrested at a residence late Friday and subsequently confessed to the crimes. The town marshal said the suspect initially fled into a bedroom of the home but offered no resistance after police followed him. Palomino allegedly admitted to the crimes during an interview with Talkington following his arrest. Palomino is charged with a single count of child molesting, a Level 1 felony punishable by up to 40 years in prison under state law. Palomino’s initial hearing in Decatur County Superior Court was held Monday, during which a plea of not guilty was entered on his behalf. Bond was set at $1 million. It was unclear Monday if Palomino had an attorney. A counsel status hearing is set for Nov. 30 and the case is scheduled to go to trial at 8:30 a.m. March 8, 2017. The suspect remained incarcerated at the Decatur County Jail as of press time Monday.