Jennings County man arrested for child abuse

Four months of investigation led to the arrest

On August 21, 2024, detectives with the Jennings County Sheriff's Office arrested a Jennings County man for child abuse after a four-month investigation.

The investigation, led by Detective Ian McPherson, began in April when investigators were contacted by the Indiana Department of Child Services after receiving a report of possible child abuse involving 69-year-old Paul D. Collett. Detective McPherson conducted a thorough investigation that ultimately determined that Collett had been abusing a minor female family member for the past 6 years.

After completing the investigation, Detective McPherson submitted the case to Jennings County Prosecutor Brian Belding for review. Judge Murielle S. Bright of the Jennings County District Court issued a warrant for Collett's arrest. Investigators from the Jennings County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Freeman, and investigators from the Seymour Police Department found Collett at a residence in Seymour. Collet was arrested by Detective McPherson on the preliminary charge of Child Abuse, Level 1 Felony, and another preliminary charge of Child Abuse, Level 4 Felony.

Collett was later detained in the Jennings County Jail pending an initial hearing in Jennings County District Court.

Chief Deputy Cody Low reassured the community, “The safety and well-being of children remains our highest priority. A case like this demonstrates the perseverance and dedication that the Jennings County Sheriff's Office will continue to provide to the most vulnerable members of our community, children.”