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Former Madison County Councilman Faces Additional Charges For Misconduct With A Child

By Stephanie Wiechmann, IPR News | Published on in Crime, Government, Local News
(Photo: in.gov)

Steve Sumner (Photo courtesy of Madison County)

Former Madison County councilman Steve Sumner is facing additional charges after a state investigation into his conduct with a local girl.

Sumner was arrested last December after an investigation by Indiana State Police.  He was charged with two counts – one of child solicitation and one of possession of child pornography.

This week, the state is adding 11 more charges.  They include rape, child seduction, sexual misconduct with a minor, and attempted sexual battery.

In December, Indiana State Police said 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.

Sumner was serving his second term on the Madison County council when he was arrested in December.  He resigned in April, after missing four consecutive council meetings.  He also owns a local small business and is listed as the pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church.