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

Former Educator Arrested on Sex Charges

Michigan City, MI
The former principal of South Adams Elementary School has been arrested in LaPorte County, Indiana on several counts of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student while he was a teacher there.

Brian Strauss has been charged with two felony counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, one felony count of Child Solicitation and one felony count of Vicarious Sexual Gratification.

His arrest was the result of an investigation by the LaPorte County Sheriff's Department after a female student informed a detective on August 12, 2012 that she had been involved in an inappropriate relationship with Strauss while he was a school teacher employed by the South Central Community School Corporation. The alleged sexual relationship took place during the 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 school years when the student was in ninth and tenth grade.

Safe Havens, International