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Last updated on Tuesday, May 17, 2016
(VERMILLION CO.) - A Terre Haute man is sentenced to 42 years after pleading guilty to child molestation charges.
After months of investigation, police say Derek Hudgens, 37 of Terre Haute, was arrested in September 2015 after charges were filed against him. Officials say the charges include three counts of child molesting, one count of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 14 and several counts of dealing in marijuana.
Officials say what makes the case so horrific is the fact of the manipulation of the child by Hudgens is so effective. Officials say she is convinced she is not a victim and is suffering from "traumatic bonding".
Officials say Hudgens, who was unemployed, stayed at home with the child while the mother worked. Police say Hudgens gave the child marijuana as well as methamphetamine. Officials reported that information from the probable cause affidavit said at one point Hudgens told the child if she told anyone that they were having sex, he would have to kill her and her mother.
Officials say in a September 2015 interview, both the victim and Hudgens admitted to having sexual intercourse, although Hudgens stated the 13-year-old initiated it.
Officials say the probable cause also stated the victim said the two had planned to pull money from the mother's bank account and leave the area. Officials reported that Hudgens went on to discuss the idea of her having sex with other people for money, but never followed through with the idea.
Due to the changes in the law, officials say Hudgens will serve 31.5 years of his 42 year sentence. Officials say a no contact order has also been placed. Hudgens cannot send a letter, card or make contact with the victim in any way while in jail.
Officials would like to credit the help of several agencies for their assistance in the case.
Anyone suspecting a child is being physically or sexually abused can contact the Indiana Department of Child Services Hotline at 1-800-800-5556. Sources are never reported, not even to law enforcement.
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