WOLCOTTVILLE, Ind. (ADAMS) – Indiana State Police say that a police officer from Wolcottville has been charged after allegedly sending inappropriate messages to a teen girl.
Officials say an investigation was launched on February 4 after the girl’s mother made a complaint that the 27-year-old officer had been exchanging those messages. Zarek B. Finley is now facing several felony charges.
Indiana State Police released the following:
Monday afternoon, detectives with the Indiana State Police- Fort Wayne Post arrested a Wolcottville police officer following an investigation of alleged official misconduct involving a minor child. Officer Zarek B. Finley, 27, of Wolcottville, was arrested on multiple felony charges related to this investigation, and is currently being held in the Noble County jail without bond pending his initial court appearance.
The investigation began on February 4, 2022 after information was reported to ISP detectives by the Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the mother of the involved 16 year old female victim. In that initial complaint, the mother reported information which alleged that Wolcottville Police Officer Zarek Finley, while acting in his official capacity, had allegedly been exchanging inappropriate electronic communications with her 16 year old daughter via social media messaging platforms. From this information, detectives began an immediate and thorough investigation.
Based on information and evidence collected by detectives to this point earlier today, an onsite arrest was made this afternoon. After review by the DeKalb County Prosecutor (Special Prosecutor assigned), it was determined that the following criminal charges would be filed, with the possibility for more criminal charges forthcoming.
ARRESTED: Zarek B. Finley, 27, Wolcottville, IN
CHARGES:
Attempted Child Seduction, Level 5 Felony
Attempted Dissemination of Material Harmful to a Minor, Level 6 Felony
Attempted Possession of Child Pornography, Level 6 Felony
This is an ongoing criminal investigation, for which there is no further information to release at this time. Any questions regarding the employment of Officer Finley should be directed to the Wolcottville Police Department.
*All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
ISP Detectives were assisted in this investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Task Force Officers.
