AUBURN, IN – A suspect has been arrested on a charge of child molestation following a six month investigation by the Indiana State Police.

Troopers say they arrested 49 year old Steven Gilbert of Edgerton, Ohio Thursday on a felony charge of child molestation. ISP detectives started the investigation in March after being contacted by the Indiana Department of Child Services, who reported allegations of sexual misconduct involving a child. Detectives discovered information alleging that Gilbert had been engaging in acts of sexual abuse with a then 11 year old child from Auburn. The sexual abuse allegedly happened on a routine basis for approximately two years between 2017 and 2019, until the child was 13 years of age.

After the investigation was completed, the DeKalb County Prosecutor filed for and was granted an arrest warrant by the DeKalb County Superior Court. Through coordination and assistance with the Williams County, Ohio Sheriff’s Office, deputies were able to locate Gilbert Thursday evening at his residence. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Williams County Jail, were he will remain, awaiting extradition to Indiana.

Once back in Indiana, he will be held in the DeKalb County Jail with no bond, pending a hearing on the matter. Assisting in this case was the Indiana DCS, and the Dr. Bill Lewis Child Advocacy Center.