Teens arrested for false allegations against trooper

BRAZIL -- A Clay County man and his juvenile girlfriend have been arrested by Indiana State Police after making false allegations of sexual battery against a trooper assigned to the Putnamville Post.

Christopher C. Harbaugh, 19, of Poland was taken into custody at 3:30 p.m. Friday on S.R. 340 west of Brazil in Clay County.

He was taken to the Clay County Justice Center on a warrant issued from Clay County Circuit Court for one count of false informing, Class B misdemeanor.

Harbaugh's bond was set at $5,000 with 10 percent allowed.

His 16-year-old girlfriend was not jailed, but summoned into the Clay County Juvenile Justice system to answer to the charge. She also resides in Poland.

The allegations stem from a traffic stop that occurred on July 21 around 2:42 p.m. near the 34 mile marker of I-70, when Harbaugh made an unauthorized u-turn.

His vehicle was then stopped by Indiana State Police Senior Trooper Homer McFadden, and Harbaugh was issued a traffic summons for illegal u-turn on the interstate.

On July 30, the juvenile female made allegations of inappropriate touching during the traffic stop by McFadden to Indiana State Police officials.

A subsequent investigation was conducted by First Sgt. Jeff Hearon of the Criminal Investigation Division at the Putnamville Post.

During his nearly 20 days of investigation, it was determined that the allegations were false.

Assisting during the investigation were Indiana State Police Detective Sam Stearley and the Clay County Prosecutor's Office. The investigation is closed and no further actions will be taken.

McFadden is a 10-year veteran of the Indiana State Police.

The Indiana State Police thoroughly investigate all accusations of misconduct by their employees and are committed to ensuring the trust and confidence of their men and women to the citizens of Indiana.