Indiana daycare worker arrested for sex misconduct with a minor

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Terre Haute woman is behind bars after police said she had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl in the summer of 2020.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Vigo County Court, the investigation into the actions of Sadie R. Barnes, 27, began after a victim came forward on March 1 and told social workers that the sexual relationship had left her traumatized and with abandonment issues.

During a forensic interview, the victim told police that in 2020, she had met Barnes, who was working at a Terre Haute daycare. Shortly after meeting, the victim said Barnes began flirting with her, being touchy, and eventually texting her messages about love.

The victim said she began to visit Barnes at an apartment on 8th Street where what the victim described as a “consensual sexual relationship” began.

“[Victim] explained that Sadie had touched her whole body and has kissed her multiple times on the mouth,” the PCA reads. “[Victim] said that all of this happened when she was 14 years old, and before she turned 15 years old. [Victim] said that Sadie stopped touching her when she was 15 going on 16 years old.”

Thursday, Terre Haute Police Detectives interviewed Barnes about the allegations. Barnes reportedly admitted to having a sexual relationship with the victim.

“Affiant spoke with Sadie Barnes who described the [victim] as a “lost child” when she met her,” the PCA reads. “Sadie explained that she knew having sexual relations with [victim] was wrong because of the age difference between the two of them.”

Barnes reportedly told police that the incidents happened in July of 2020 when the girl was 14 years old and Barnes was 24.

Barnes was then placed under arrest and taken to the Vigo County Jail. The probable cause affidavit calls for Barnes to face two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, a level 4 felony. Court records show that Barnes is being held on a 72-hour hold to allow prosecutor’s time to file formal charges.

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