Steven Sumner was a Republican county councilman for Madison County, Indiana. He is also the pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church. He was charged with Child Seduction which means Sumner was in some way the child’s guardian, adoptive parent, adoptive grandparent, custodian, or stepparent. Other charges include child molestation, contributing to delinquency, sexual battery, sexual misconduct, as well as possession of child sexual exploitation material. According to the State Police, a child, younger than sixteen, told them he gave her alcohol and performed sexual acts on her and asked her to reciprocate. Additional charges were added involving a child under 14. The trial is set for September 5, 2023
Update: He did not show up for court on July 27, 2023 and a warrant was issued.
- Indiana Public Radio: Madison County Councilman Arrested For Child Seduction
- State of Indiana Case Summary: State of Indiana vs. Steven Sumner Case No. 48C03-2206-F1-001548
- The Herald Bulletin: Trial of former Madison County councilman on sex-related charges moved to October
- The Herald Bulletin: Sumner charged with four new felony counts, including Level 1 child molest
- Fox 59: Warrant issued for former Madison Co. councilman accused of rape, child seduction
Tipton County Tribune
Tipton, Indiana · Tuesday, December 22, 2020