Bartholomew County Man Arrested for Child Molesting

Months long investigation led to the arrest

On April 19, 2024, Investigators with the Indiana State Police-Versailles Post arrested a Bartholomew County man on felony charges after an eight-month investigation into allegations of child molesting.

The investigation began in August 2023 when allegations were reported to the Indiana State Police.  During the investigation, detectives determined that prior to August of last year, Jayden K. Hardwick, age 20, allegedly had improper contact with two juveniles in Bartholomew County.

At the conclusion of the investigation, the case was presented to the Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office.  As a result, a warrant was issued for Hardwick on charges of Child Molesting-Level 3 Felony (2 counts), and Sexual Misconduct with a Minor-Level 5 Felony (1 count).

On Friday afternoon, Troopers arrested Hardwick on the felony charges.  He was incarcerated in the Bartholomew County Jail pending an initial appearance in court.