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Last updated on Tuesday, April 14, 2015
(BEDFORD) - A 34-year-old Owensburg woman pleaded not guilty to 15 felony counts of sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old boy Monday afternoon in Lawrence Superior Court.
The incidents happened in Bedford and Crystal Caswell is also facing similar charges in Greene County.
Crystal R. Caswell appeared in court with her attorney Sam Shapiro. Judge William Sleva informed Caswell if found guilty on the level 4 felonies she could face up to a maximum of 12 years in jail on each count and a fine up to $10,000 dollars.
Shapiro filed paperwork for a change of venue which Judge Sleva has taken under advisement. Shapiro also requested a gag order.
"I want the trial court in control of what is released to the press," Shapiro asked.
Judge Sleva said he would review the request, but did order the prosecutor's office to inform local law enforcement they are not to release any information to the press to limit pretrial publicity.
Her next scheduled court appearance is June 15th at 2:30 p.m. for a pretrial conference.
Caswell is accused of having an ongoing sexual relationship with an underage boy from early November 2014 through early February 2015. She was arrested March 30 and posted a $5,005 cash bond on March 31.
She was previously arrested in Greene County and booked in to the Greene County Jail on March 5. Caswell is facing a Level 4 felony charge of sexual misconduct with a minor in Greene County as well.
Caswell's bond in Greene County was set at $15,000 surety with 10 percent allowed. She was released the same day after posting $1,500 cash.
Because the incidents of alleged sexual misconduct happened in both counties, she is being charged in both counties.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Casewell had a sexual relationship with the underage male from early November 2014 until February 2015, when the crime was reported.
Police say Casewell called the teen more than 250 times between November 6-22. In December she purchased a iPhone 5S for the teen and paid the bill. Police took the phone and found numerous calls and text messages between the two.
She also gave the teen an AlienWare Alpha gaming system and her credit card information to purchase online games.
What police say was a friendly relationship progressed to something more.
Detectives found that Caswell paid for motel rooms in Bedford and Bloomington on 16 different occasions. She also rented a storage unit in Bedford that was furnished with an inflatable mattress, air pump and bed covers. Police were provided with surveillance video showing Caswell entering and exiting the facility with the male.
The victim told police that he would sneak out of his parents home while they slept to meet Caswell.
Greene County detectives attempted to speak to Caswell, but they were directed to speak to her attorney.
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