Van Buren, Indiana — A Grant County man was arrested Thursday night after deputies executed active warrants tied to sex offender registration violations.
According to the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Tony Cummings around 9:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at a property in the 300 block of West Walnut Street in Van Buren following a warrant investigation. Deputies located Cummings inside a pole barn structure on the property and took him into custody without incident.
Authorities said Cummings had previously been arrested for Failure to Register as a Sex or Violent Offender and was released on his own recognizance under pretrial release supervision. During Thursday’s investigation, deputies determined he had allegedly been staying at the Walnut Street residence for several weeks without reporting a change of address, as required by law.
Registry records reportedly listed Cummings’ registered address as Marion. Deputies also confirmed multiple active warrants issued by Grant Circuit Court related to alleged sex offender registration violations.
Cummings was transported to the Grant County Jail and formally arrested on the following charges: Failure to Register as a Sex or Violent Offender, a Level 5 felony; a pretrial violation for Failure to Register; and a pretrial violation for Failure of a Sex Offender to Possess Identification.
Further investigation determined the Walnut Street residence is located within 1,000 feet of Eastbrook North Elementary School. Due to Cummings’ prior conviction for child molesting, deputies are seeking additional charges related to alleged residency restrictions and failure to register.
Sheriff Del Garcia said failure to register is “a public safety issue,” particularly when it involves living near schools. The investigation remains ongoing and has been forwarded for review of potential additional criminal charges.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case may be of particular concern to families, students, and young workers who live or commute near school zones in Grant County.
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