Convctived child molestor given maximum sentence of 178 years in prison | #childpredator | #kidsaftey | #childsaftey

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA/Gray News) – An Indiana man has been given the maximum possible sentence after being found guilty of child molestation.

A jury found Stephen Bush, who failed to appear for his trial last month, guilty on all counts. That included four counts of child molestation and two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.

The victim reported the abuse in 2022, with charges being filed in 2023. She said the abuse began when she was about six years old and continued until she was 14.

This week, Bush was sentenced to 178 years in prison for his crimes.

Investigators said during the case that the victim’s bed sheets and Bush’s DNA were collected. From that, Indiana State Police were able to determine that seminal material found on the linens was “at least 1 trillion times more likely” to have originated from the defendant rather than an unknown, unrelated person.

Allen County Deputy prosecutors Tracy Heltz Noetzel and Emily Snyder tried the case, with Noetzel thanking the victim for their bravery and the multiple agencies involved for their dedicated work in Bush’s arrest.

“This outcome was made possible most importantly by the courage of the victim, who came forward after enduring nearly eight years of abuse,” Noetzel said. “We are grateful for the strength and courage it took to come forward and for the many professionals who supported the victim and helped bring this case to justice.”