FRENCH LICK – A French Lick man has been arrested on serious child sex charges following an investigation initiated by the Indiana State Police in April 2025.
Indiana State Police Detective Tyler Matthew led the investigation into allegations that Scotty Settles, 40, of French Lick, had sexually assaulted a child. The findings of this investigation were then submitted to the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office.
After reviewing the evidence, the Orange County Prosecutor’s Office filed criminal charges against Settles, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant on Friday, June 27, 2025.
On Friday afternoon, at approximately 12:05 p.m., Settles was taken into custody without incident at his residence. He was subsequently transported to the Orange County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $500,000 bond.
Settles faces two Level 1 felony charges of child molestation and statutory rape.
Detective Tyler Matthew was the primary investigating officer, with assistance from Trooper Steve Nolan and the Orange County Department of Children and Family Services.
