18-year-old arrested on molestation charges; police seeking additional victims

Wednesday, Santa Claus police arrested Gage Nelson, 18, on preliminary felony charges of child molesting and dissemination of material harmful to minors.

The arrest was made following a three-month investigation of circumstances involving alleged sexual conduct and showing of pornography to an 11-year-old girl.

Through information obtained during the investigation, authorities have reason to believe there may be additional juvenile victims and are seeking the public’s assistance to help identify those victims.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Santa Claus Police Department at 812-937-2340 or the Spencer County Crime Tip Line at 800-615-6088. Information can also be submitted through the Crime Tip Line online at spencoprosecutor.org.

Nelson is currently being held at the Spencer County Law Enforcement Center without bond on a Level 3 felony count of child molesting and a Level 6 felony count of dissemination of matter harmful to minors. An initial hearing is scheduled to take place in the Spencer Circuit Court Friday at 9:00 a.m.