FOR IMMEDIATE RELASE

Date: August 19, 2024

Location: 3400 block of Kendale Drive

Time: 1356 hours

Suspect Arrested #1: Cody Austin Kell, 32 years old

Preliminary Charges: Count I: Child Molesting, a Level 4 Felony; Count II: Dissemination of Matter Harmful to a Minor, a Level 6 Felony

Details/Summary:

On January 29, 2024, the Indiana Department of Child Services (DCS) notified the FWPD of alleged Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) involving a nine (9) years old child. Detective Todd Garman, an investigator from the FWPD Crimes Against Persons Section (CAPS), was assigned as the lead investigator. The child later participated in a Forensic Interview at the Dr. Bill Lewis Center For Children. The child disclosed that Cody Kell made her view pornographic videos and while being forced to touch him inappropriately. Detective Garman presented the case to the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, which led to charges being filed. The alleged defendant was arrested by the Allen County Sheriff’s Department-Warrants Division on August 13, 2024.