By Philip Hensley, Indiana State Police Sellersburg District
On Wednesday, December 4, Master Trooper Detective Travis Baker, in conjunction with the Indiana Department of Child Services, began an investigation into the alleged battery of a 4-year-old child. The child had arrived at school on Monday, Dec. 2, in Salem with bruising on both arms, which the school reported to the Department of Child Services. Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that the child was under the care of April Dean, 31, of Knightstown, while at a residence in Salem, from November 28 through December 1. This is the period of time in which the alleged incident is believed to have occurred.
Detective Baker met with Dean Thursday evening. After speaking with Dean, she was placed in custody and charged with Domestic Battery and Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Injury. She was lodged in the Washington County Jail.
The Indiana State Police encourages anyone who believes a child has been harmed or is in a potentially dangerous or harmful situation to report the circumstances to either the Indiana Department of Child Services or a law enforcement agency as soon as possible.
Arrested and Charges:
April Dean, 31, Knightstown, Indiana
- Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Bodily Injury, Level 5 Felony
- Domestic Battery, Level 6 Felony
Under the Law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.