Staff Report

Tyler D. Barts

NAPPANEE — A Nappanee man was recently arrested after allegedly molesting a child.

Tyler D. Barts, 20, 152 W. Lincoln St., Nappanee, is charged with child molesting, a level 3 felony; and child molesting, a level 4 felony.

On April 10, the Nappanee Police Department received information about a child engaging in sexual activity with Barts. The child was interviewed on April 11.

According to court documents, during the interview, the child said they knew how old Barts was and that Barts knew how old they were. The child disclosed details on the conduct and said they did not really want to engage in any sexual activity, but felt like they could not tell Barts to stop.

That same day, officers interviewed Barts about the conduct. Barts admitted to engaging in sexual activity with the child. Officers also found conversations on a cellphone between Barts and the child.

Barts was booked in the Elkhart County Correctional Complex on April 11.