MARTIN COUNTY — A criminal investigation initiated by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office in May 2025 into allegations of child molestation has led to the arrests of three individuals and the transfer of two suspects to federal custody on serious child exploitation charges.
The investigation began after the Martin County Sheriff’s Office received an anonymous tip alleging that Patrick Cox, 24, of Washington, and Neveah Brown, 18, of Loogootee, had molested a child.
Martin County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Ryan Hawkins and Shoals Town Marshall Matthew Copeland initiated the investigation. Following multiple interviews, Cox ultimately confessed to many crimes.
Investigation Uncovers Further Evidence and Federal Involvement
Judge Wright-Ryan granted search warrants for the cell phones belonging to Cox and Brown. During the search of Cox’s phone, investigators located several images of suspected child pornography, along with evidence of additional crimes and victims, and information on another suspect in a separate crime.
Sergeant Hawkins submitted probable cause affidavits, leading to state arrest warrants for Cox and Brown.
Further investigation into Cox’s cell phone located evidence and communication with Marie Austin, 28, of Sullivan. Sergeant Hawkins sent a report of these results to detectives with the Indiana State Police (ISP) – Putnamville District. ISP detectives subsequently filed charges and arrested Austin, recommending that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) take the case further.
On October 8, 2025, the U.S. Marshals Service transported Patrick Cox and Marie Austin to federal prison to await trial on federal charges.
The suspects face a comprehensive list of state and federal charges:
Patrick Charles Cox, 24, of Washington
- Federal Charges: Conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child pornography, and penalties for being a registered sex offender.
- State Charges (Level 1 Felony): Child molesting, conspiracy to commit child molesting.
- State Charges (Level 3 Felony): Three counts of rape, conspiracy to commit rape, promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child, and vicarious sexual gratification.
- State Charges (Level 4 Felony): Child exploitation; 19 counts of possession of child sex abuse material, sexual misconduct with a minor, and child solicitation.
- State Charges (Level 6 Felony): Sexual battery, failure to register as a sex offender.
Neveah Brown, 18, of Loogootee
- State Charges (Level 1 Felony): Aiding in child molesting, conspiracy to commit child molesting.
- State Charges (Level 3 Felony): Aiding in rape, conspiracy to commit rape, aiding in vicarious Sexual gratification, promotion of sexual trafficking of a younger child.
- State Charges (Level 4 Felony): Aiding in sexual misconduct with a minor, aiding in child solicitation.
- State Charges (Level 5 Felony): Criminal confinement.
- State Charges (Level 6 Felony): Aiding in sexual battery and obstruction of justice.
Marie Dawn Austin, 28, of Sullivan
- Federal Charges: Conspiracy to commit sexual exploitation of a minor, three counts of sexual exploitation of a minor, and distribution of child pornography.
- State Charges: Two counts of child exploitation
The Martin County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that this is an ongoing joint investigation with the Indiana State Police and the FBI, and they suspect that more charges will be filed against additional suspects as the investigation proceeds.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the original tipster for helping make the community safer and encouraged residents to submit anonymous tips through the Martin County Sheriff’s App.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through due legal proceedings. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
