NORMAN — A 61-year-old Jackson County man has been arrested and charged with child molesting following an investigation into an assault involving a 12-year-old girl.
Robert D. Canada, of Norman, was taken into custody on Tuesday, April 7, through a coordinated effort between the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department and the Bedford Police Department.
The investigation began at 2:10 p.m. on Monday, April 6, when deputies received a report of a sexual assault that had allegedly occurred the previous evening.
Jackson County Detective J.L. McElfresh took over the investigation.
The initial investigation found that Robert Canada had sexually assaulted the girl on Sunday, April 5, during the evening hours in Norman.
On Tuesday, April 7, Jackson County Sheriff’s Department detectives, with the assistance of Bedford Police officers, located Canada at his place of employment, and he was arrested.
On Wednesday, April 8, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office officially filed formal charges.
Detective McElfresh was assisted by Jackson County Deputies Mark Holt and Alan Jones, Detective/Sgt. Jesse Hutchinson, Bedford Police Department officers, and the Indiana Department of Child Services.
Canada faces one count of child molesting, classified as a Level 1 felony in Indiana. Under state law, a Level 1 felony is the most serious class of felony short of murder, carrying a potential prison sentence of 20 to 50 years and a fine of up to $10,000.
Following the arrest, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
As of Thursday morning, information regarding Canada’s bond or initial hearing date had not yet been released. Canada is currently being held without bond until his initial hearing.
