WEST BADEN SPRINGS — The Assistant Chief of the West Baden Police Department faces multiple criminal charges following an investigation into allegations that he inappropriately touched two first responders while on duty.
Thomas “Andy” Burkhardt was arrested Tuesday following an investigation spearheaded by the Indiana State Police (ISP). A probable cause affidavit filed in the Orange County Circuit Court details the accusations spanning from late 2024 to early 2026. He posted a $2,000 full cash bond and was released from jail.
Burkhardt now faces two counts of official misconduct, one count of felony battery, and one count of misdemeanor battery.
According to court documents, the ISP investigation was officially launched in April after a local first responder came forward.
In March 2026, a firefighter/EMT reported that on March 28, 2026, Burkhardt grabbed them by the hips while stating, “I love you, oh I love you.”
In October 2024, while detectives were looking into the initial complaint, a state law enforcement officer filed a separate report with the neighboring French Lick Police Department. The officer alleged that in October 2024, Burkhardt slapped their backside during a training session at the West Baden Police Department. The reporting officer noted that multiple witnesses were present during the incident.
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the small Orange County community, where Burkhardt has been a highly visible and well-known public figure for years.
Burkhardt made his initial court appearance on Wednesday in Orange County Circuit Court. According to court records, he is scheduled to return to court for his next hearing on June 22, at 1:15 p.m.
