Steve Sumner (Photo courtesy of Madison County)

A Madison County councilman facing charges of child seduction and possession of child pornography has stepped down from his elected post, five months after being arrested on those charges.

Republican Steven Sumner was serving his second term on the council.  In a resignation letter, Sumner says he was “currently unable to provide my constituents with the representation they deserve.”  Minutes from Madison County Council meetings show Sumner has missed four consecutive council meetings.

Still, Sumner says in his letter that he was proud to serve on the council.

In December, Sumner was arrested after an investigation by the Indiana State Police.  That agency says a girl younger than 16 told officers Sumner gave her alcohol, performed sexual acts on her, and tried to get her to reciprocate.  An investigation into Sumner’s digital devices also found more than 100 images of potential child pornography.

The Madison County Republican Party says it will caucus to replace Sumner in the next 30 days.