Media Fact Sheet

Date:  January 21, 2025

Location: 400 block of Nussbaum Avenue

Time: various times. 

Suspect Arrested:  Destiny Sassanella, 27 years of age. 

Preliminary Charges: Three (3) counts of Neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony. 

Suspect wanted:  Jonathan Sassanella, 35 years of age. 

Preliminary Charges:  Three (3) counts of Neglect of a dependent, a level 6 felony. 

Details/Summary:  

On July 15, 2024 the Fort Wayne Police Department received a complaint of child abuse and neglect from the Department of Child Services.  Detective Jean Gigli of the Crimes Against Persons Unit (CAPS), was assigned to the investigation.  During the investigation, Detective Gigli discovered that three children had been neglected and abused by Jonathan and Destiny Sassanella.  Detective Gigli forwarded the case to the Allen County Prosecutor for the consideration of criminal charges.  On January 17 2025, warrants were issued for the arrest of Jonathan and Destiny Sassanella.  The Fort Wayne Police Department thanks the Department of Child Services, the Dr. Bill Lewis Center for Children, and the Allen County Prosecutors office for their assistance and cooperation during this investigation.