TEXT-TO-911 LEADS TO LEVEL ONE CHILD MOLESTING FELONY CONVICTION AND 30 YEAR SENTENCE

The investigation began earlier this year

June 16^th, 2026 – David Osborne, 52 of Madison, IN was sentenced on June 15^th 2026, in Jefferson County Circuit Court by Judge D.J Mote to thirty (30) years executed at the Indiana Department of Corrections, with five (5) of those years suspended to supervised probation. Osborne was convicted of the lead charge, Child Molesting, as a level one (1) felony.  

The investigation began on April 23rd, 2026, when the Jefferson County Central Dispatch received a text to 911 from a juvenile victim alleging ongoing sexual abuse by an adult in their residence. Jefferson County deputies responded to the residence and spoke with the child who reported that David Osborne had been sexually assaulting her for years and had touched her inappropriately that evening.

"This case highlights the life-changing impact that a simple text to 911 can have for someone in crisis. We are thankful that this technology was available when it was needed most, and we hope others know that help is available even when making a phone call may not feel safe or possible” said Prosecutor David Sutter.

The minor victim was transported to the Children's Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana, where an emergency forensic interview was conducted in the late-night hours. During the interview, the victim disclosed repeated acts of sexual abuse that occurred over a period of years, including sexual touching and other acts of molestation.

Detective Sergeant Yancy Denning of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office led the investigation. During an interview with law enforcement, Osborne admitted to touching the minor’s private areas on at least two different occasions.

Based upon the victim’s disclosure, witness statements, and evidence gathered during the investigation, Osborne was arrested and charged with Child Molesting. He later entered a guilty plea to Child Molesting, a level one (1) felony, on May 13^th, 2026.

On June 15, 2026, Judge Mote sentenced Osborne to thirty (30) years executed at the Indiana Department of Correction, with five (5) of those years suspended to supervised probation. Osborne was determined to be a sexually violent predator and will be required to register as a violent sex offender for life.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Mote addressed the defendant and acknowledged the significant damage and hurt that Osborne has caused the victim and their family.

“We are grateful to the many agencies who worked tirelessly throughout this investigation. Their swift response and dedicated collaboration during the late-night have led to this successful conviction and sentence” said Prosecutor Sutter.

Thank you to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Detective Sergeant Yancy Denning, Jefferson County 911/Central Dispatch, Children's Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana, and the Indiana Department of Child Services for their efforts in the pursuit for safety and justice for the child victim.