A 20-year old Brown County man is facing a Level 5 felony for sexual misconduct with a minor after police say he engaged in a physical relationship with a 14-year-old.
Indiana State Trooper Chris Griggs received information on March 21 of an inappropriate relationship between 20-year-old Chandler Popplewell, of Fruitdale Road, and the teen.
Griggs spoke with the victim at home. Her mother reportedly knew of the relationship, but was initially told that Popplewell was 17. Once she found out his real age, the victim was not to be around him any longer, the police report said.
The victim said that she and Popplewell were only friends and denied any physical interactions beyond hugging and a possible kiss.
Griggs asked the mother for consent to search the victim’s phone and she agreed. The victim said she and Popplewell communicated via Snapchat, which keeps no record of conversation, but Griggs did find a few text messages exchanged regarding Popplewell giving the victim marijuana and the two napping together, the police report says.
Popplewell told Griggs he had known the girl for about a year. He said the first time she came to his house was a few months prior. They did hug and kiss that evening. The second time she visited, Popplewell said she stayed for a few nights, and they did engage in intercourse. He told police that he feels like he and the victim are in a relationship, that he loves her and she loves him. He also told police that the victim had sent him nude photos over Snapchat without him asking. He said he had sent none.
Griggs asked Popplewell if they had talked or if he thought of the repercussion because of the age difference. He told police, “I knew it was bad and I knew it was against the law.” He said he was truly sorry for what he had done and he knew it was wrong; that he cares very deeply for the victim and would go through great lengths to talk to and be with her.
Popplewell was charged with a Level 5 felony for sexual misconduct with a minor and a Class A misdemeanor for contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
