Staff Report

WARSAW — A Warsaw man who was arrested in April for molesting two children was sentenced in Kosciusko County Superior Court 1 Monday, Nov. 15.

Joshua Denney

Joshua Paul Denney, 37, 218 S. Scott St., Warsaw, pleaded guilty to child molesting, a level 3 felony; and sexual misconduct with a minor, a class B felony.

On Feb. 5, a Warsaw Police officer received a report from Child Protective Services of child molestation after a child told their parents they had been sexually abused by Denney.

On Feb. 8, a forensic interview was completed with the child at Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center. 

During the interview, the child described having to inappropriately touch Denney.

According to court documents, the child also described another incident where Denney had sexual intercourse with them. The child said these events happened sometime between Jan. 1, 2016, and Dec. 31, 2017. They said the events occurred over the course of several weeks, with the touching occurring five times and sexual intercourse happening once.

During the course of the investigation, a Warsaw Police detective learned of another possible victim. The detective spoke with the second child, who said they were forced and manipulated to engage in sexual activity with Denney on multiple occasions. They also described another event where Denney attempted to have sexual intercourse with them. The child said the abuse took place sometime between Jan. 1, 2010, and Dec. 31, 2011.

On Feb. 19, the detective spoke with Denney about the incidents. Denney admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the second child and said this occurred about six months after his release from prison.

At that time, Denney agreed that the two children’s reports were accurate.

In court Monday, Denney’s significant criminal history was mentioned.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Joseph Sobek requested consecutive sentences for the two charges since there was more than one victim.

Judge Karin McGrath called Denney’s behavior “inexcusable” and “reprehensible.”

McGrath sentenced Denney to 14 years in prison for the charge of child molesting. Denney received a 10 year prison sentence for the charge of sexual misconduct with a minor.

McGrath ordered the sentences to be served consecutively, meaning one after the other. The sentence will be served at the Indiana Department of Corrections.

Denney was also ordered to register as a sex offender.