PETERSBURG – A Pike County criminal case concluded Wednesday as a special judge handed down a guilty verdict against Joshua J. Eager on all counts, including a high-level felony charge for child molesting.
Daviess County Superior Court Judge Gregory Smith, presiding as a special judge, issued the ruling following a bench trial. The verdict brings a close to the initial legal proceedings of a case that shook the local community when it first came to light in late 2024.
After reviewing the evidence presented by the Pike County Prosecutor’s Office, Judge Smith convicted Eager of child molesting, a Level 1 felony, sexual battery, a Level 6 felony and neglect of a dependent, a Level 6 felony.
In the state of Indiana, a Level 1 Felony is the most serious class of felony below murder, carrying a sentencing range of 20 to 40 years in the Department of Correction.
The case originated in September 2024 after a minor victim came forward to report the abuse to a staff member at their school. Following mandatory reporting protocols, school officials immediately alerted law enforcement.
The subsequent investigation was spearheaded by Pike County Sheriff’s Detective Sgt. Scott Arnold. The prosecution highlighted a collaborative effort between several agencies to secure the conviction, including Pike County Sheriff’s Office deputies Child advocacy professionals who conducted forensic interviewers and The Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS).
Following the verdict, Pike County Prosecutor Darrin McDonald released a statement praising the bravery of the young victim.
“We are grateful for the victim’s immense courage in reporting this crime and for their strength in testifying during the proceedings,” McDonald stated. “This verdict is a testament to the hard work of our local law enforcement and the professionals who support victims of such heinous crimes.”
Joshua Eager remains in custody pending a sentencing hearing. During this hearing, Judge Smith will determine the length of Eager’s prison term and any subsequent requirements, such as registration as a sex offender.
The Pike County Prosecutor’s office has not yet announced a specific date for the sentencing phase.
