Staff Report

John M. Phillips

COLUMBIA CITY — A man was arrested in Whitley County for allegedly molesting two children.

John M. Phillips, 31, Garrett, is charged with two counts of child molesting, both level 1 felonies; and three counts of child molesting, all level 4 felonies.

On April 29, a Columbia City Police officer responded to a child molestation report. A woman said a child was at school when another child pulled their pants down and punched them in their “no no square.” The woman told the child they needed to tell an adult if anyone touched them there.

According to court documents, when the woman asked if anyone had ever inappropriately touched them, the child said Phillips did. It was estimated the molestation occurred sometime in September or October 2024.

In an interview, the child estimated Phillips inappropriately touched them 10 times. They told police Phillips made them inappropriately touch him. They also said Phillips had molested a second child.

The child said Phillips told them not to tell anyone and threatened to spank them if they did.

Phillips submitted to a polygraph examination with Indiana State Police. When asked if he inappropriately touched the children, Phillips denied doing so. The examination showed high levels of deception when Phillips was asked these questions.

Phillips continued to deny molesting the children after the examination concluded.

Phillips was booked in the Whitley County Jail on May 21.