WASHINGTON COUNTY – Indiana State Police detectives arrested a Hardinsburg suspect Tuesday on two counts of child molesting, incest and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The investigation began on May 10 when an employee from a Harrison County school contacted the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) to report possible sexual child abuse to one of their students. A DCS Family Case Manager contacted Detective Travis Baker, who worked alongside DCS personnel. The investigation included a sexual assault forensic examination at a local hospital and a forensic interview conducted at a local child advocacy center.
Baker also obtained a search warrant for a Hardinsburg residence as part of the investigation. ISP detectives and crime scene investigators served the warrant on Tuesday.
As a result of the investigation and search, Baker believed illegal sexual contact occurred between the child and 31-year-old Michael Allen Richardson of Hardinsburg. Baker arrested Richardson at his residence following the search. Officers then transported Richardson to the Washington County Jail in Salem without incident. Michael Richardson is charged with the following:
- Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony.
- Child Molesting – Level 4 Felony.
- Incest – Level 4 Felony.
- Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – Level 5 Felony.
