North Vernon man charged with Child Molesting following DNA test

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) arrested a North Vernon man after DNA confirmed paternity of a child born to a 13-year-old victim on Monday, February 9.

In January 2025, JCSO detectives were notified by the Department of Child Services (DCS) of a report involving the possible sexual abuse of a 13-year-old female juvenile. The report stemmed from the juvenile giving birth to a child.

During a thorough investigation, detectives obtained DNA samples from 25-year-old Austin Locke of North Vernon and the infant. The samples were submitted to the Indiana State Police Forensics Laboratory in Indianapolis for analysis.

Results confirmed that Locke was the biological father of the child. He was taken into custody and transported to the Jennings County Jail. While incarcerated, he allegedly admitted to having sexual relations with the 13-year-old victim.

Locke was charged with Level 1 felony child molesting. He is being held with no bond.