North Vernon man accused of sexual abuse against 13-year-old

A Jennings County man is being accused of sexual abuse of a 13-year-old girl, that came to light after she gave birth to his child.

According to the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation began in early January after deputies were notified by the Indiana Department of Child Services that the girl had given birth. The investigation led police to seek DNA samples from the baby and from 25-year-old Austin Locke of North Vernon. Results from an analysis by Indiana State Police Forensics Laboratory in Indianapolis confirmed that Locke is the father of the child.

Locke was taken into custody and police say he admitted to having sexual relations with the girl.

He is facing a preliminary felony charge of child molesting.

The sheriff’s department is continuing to investigate the case, but “due to the sensitive nature involving a minor victim, no additional details regarding the victim or specific circumstances will be released to protect her privacy.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Jennings County Sheriff’s Office at (812) 346-8642 or the Indiana Department of Child Services.