Reelsville man, 20, arrested for sexual misconduct with minor

Thursday, January 24, 2013
Michael Fife

A 20-year-old Reelsville man was arrested Tuesday by Indiana State Police oficers for sexual allegations involving a 15-year-old girl.

Michael J. Fife faces four felony charges for the alleged improper relationship, including three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Class C felony, and one county of disseminating obscene matter or performance to a minor, a Class D felony.

The Putnam County Department of Child Services reportedly notified ISP of the allegations on Monday afternoon, with detectives 1st Sgt. Jeff Hearon, Sam Stearley and Chris Carter investigating the case.

For the last year to year-and-a-half, beginning when the victim was 14 years old, Fife is alleged to have had sexual relations with her on multiple occasions. The incidents reportedly occurred at various locations in Putnam County.

On one occasion, the victim is alleged to have witnessed a sexual encounter involving other adults.

State Police spokesman Sgt. Joe Watts said the investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are possible in the case.

Fife was booked into the Putnam County Jail at 11:43 p.m. Tuesday and is being held with no bond.

As of Wednesday afternoon, no court date had been set in the case.