SEYMOUR — A 28-year-old Seymour man is facing felony charges after a welfare investigation revealed a five-year-old child had suffered significant physical abuse.
Tristan T. Shelton was arrested Tuesday, February 3, following a joint investigation by the Seymour Police Department and the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS).
The case began when DCS alerted local authorities to a preliminary report of child abuse or neglect. Upon further investigation, detectives observed that the five-year-old victim had sustained significant bruising across their body.
Following a series of forensic interviews and medical evaluations conducted by specialized investigators, police determined there was sufficient evidence to establish that the injuries were the result of physical battery.
Shelton was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jackson County Jail. According to jail records, he is being held on the following preliminary charges of domestic battery on a person less then 14 years old and neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, both Level 6 felonies.
The Seymour Police Department continues to urge residents to report any suspected cases of child neglect or abuse to the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline.
Those facing criminal charges are considered innocent until proven guilty through a fair and due legal process. Accusations alone do not imply guilt; the judicial system will evaluate the presented evidence to reach a verdict.
