Second Spencer County teen arrested in molestation investigation

Spencer County authorities have arrested another teen on charges stemming from an investigation into the alleged molestation of an 11-year-old.

Authorities arrested Gage L. Nelson, 18, Wednesday, on charges of Level 3 felony child molesting, Level 6 felony dissemination of matter harmful to a minor and Class A misdemeanor contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Then, on Thursday, an 18-year-old was taken into custody at about noon as he left Heritage Hills High School.

According to the Spencer Count Prosecuting Attorney’s office, the investigation conducted by deputy marshals James Faulkenburg and Matt Keller began after they received allegations of sexual conduct and showing of pornography to the 11-year-old girl about three months ago.

The 18-year-old is charged with two counts of child molesting and a count of possession of child pornography. The charges stem from incidents that occurred when the 18-year-old was 17, according to the prosecuting attorney’s office. His name is being withheld at this time due to the nature of the juvenile proceedings.

Nelson appeared in Spencer Circuit Court on Friday morning for an initial hearing, and his bond was set at $200,000 surety or $20,000 cash. He was ordered to appear in court again on April 22, 2016, at 9:00 a.m.

Nelson faces three to 16 years if convicted of the Level 3 Felony.

The second teen appeared for a detention hearing Friday afternoon and is to remain in detention pending a further hearing in juvenile court on March 23 at 2:30 p.m.

Santa Claus Marshals continue to seek the public’s help in identifying other possible victims and/or suspects. Information can be provided by calling the Santa Claus Police Department at 812-937-2340 or the Spencer County Anonymous Crime Tip Line at 800-615-6088.