Attempted rape suspect in custody at Putnam County Jail

Jason Beelby

Wanted for allegedy attempting to rape a mentally disabled victim last fall, a Greencastle man is now lodged at the Putnam County Jail.

Jason F. Beelby, 45, was booked in at 4:20 p.m. Saturday on a warrant for Level 3 attempted rape when the victim is mentally disabled or deficient.

Beelby, who had relocated to Michigan following the initial investigation in October, was picked up by the Michigan State Police then extradited to the Putnam County Jail.

The investigation began on Oct. 3, 2020, when the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic disturbance stemming from an alleged witnessed molestation.

The reporting party told Detective Matthew Biggs that she observed Beelby, her boyfriend, engaging in what appeared to be sexual intercourse with an autistic relative.

Prosecutor Tim Bookwalter filed the charge on March 21, following an investigation that also involved the Indiana State Police Crime Lab and Putnam County Prosecutor’s Office Investigator Kari Plessinger.

Beelby made his initial appearance in Putnam Superior Court Monday afternoon, represented by attorney Angela Field Trapp. He entered a not guilty plea.

Judge Denny Bridges set Beelby’s bond amount at $30,000 cash.

A Level 3 felony is punishable by 3-16 years in prison.