Rensselaer, IN — A Rensselaer man was taken into custody on August 8th, following an investigation into alleged child molestation. The Rensselaer Police Department began the inquiry in February 2024 after receiving a report regarding potential misconduct. During the investigation, authorities interviewed a victim who claimed they were inappropriately touched by Robert Smith, 69, over a two-year period starting when the victim was 12 years old. The incidents allegedly occurred while the victim was living with Smith in Rensselaer.
According to the Rensselaer Police Department, Smith initially denied the allegations during an interview with a detective. However, further information was obtained indicating that Smith admitted to the inappropriate behavior. The findings were forwarded to the prosecutor’s office, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
On August 8th, Smith was located and arrested. He was booked at the Jasper County Jail on a Level 1 Felony charge of Child Molestation and a Level 4 Felony charge of Child Molestation. Authorities emphasize that all subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
