French Lick Man charged with Level 1 felony child molestation

Orange County – Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation in April 2025 after receiving information that Scotty Settles, 40, of French Lick, had allegedly molested a child.

Indiana State Police Detective Tyler Matthew conducted the investigation and submitted his findings to the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office. After reviewing the investigation, the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges of two counts of Level 1 felony child molestation (statutory rape) against Settles, and an arrest warrant was issued on Friday, June 27, 2025.

On Friday afternoon, at approximately 12:05 p.m., Settles was arrested at his residence without incident.

Settles was taken to the Orange County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.