Youth Minister Steven Harding Faces Child Molest, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor Charges

New Palestine, IN
A youth minister of a New Palestine church was arrested today and charge with child molestation and sexual misconduct with a minor for incidents that happened in 2009 and 2010.  The girl was 13-years old at the time.

The girl's family contacted the Department of Child Services last spring, and a criminal investigation was started.  Steve Harding, the suspect, denied the allegations last spring, but was given a polygraph test in November, which indicated he was lying when he said he did not have inappropriate contact with the girl.

The suspect is no longer listed in the church's website.

Safe Havens, International