STARKE COUNTY, Ind. -- According to the Starke County Sheriff's Department, on March 4 information was received regarding a report of sexual abuse and neglect involving a juvenile and Joseph Dixon.  

A caseworker from the Indiana Department of Child Services and a Starke County Sheriff’s Department Detective responded to a Starke County address and contacted the mother of the juvenile after receiving preliminary information from a witness. 

The mother was informed there was an allegation and that both the juvenile and another child living in the home needed to come to the local DCS Office.

The detective noticed an odor associated with marijuana while in the home. Both juveniles were taken to the CASIE Center in South Bend for a Forensic interview.

During the interview, the juvenile made certain disclosures to the interviewer regarding the allegations of sexual abuse. The juvenile also stated there was marijuana usage in the home. Both the Juvenile and the other child in the home were transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Mishawaka.

On March 5, a search warrant was granted for Joseph Dixon's residence. 

Evidence included marijuana, including items used to smoke, weigh, and store marijuana, and other items described by mother during her interview.

While executing the search warrant, Joseph Dixon was taken into custody.

At the Sheriff’s Department, Joseph Dixon was advised of his constitutional rights, and he agreed to speak with detectives. At the conclusion of the interview, Joseph Dixon was booked into the Starke County Jail.

The Starke County Prosecutor's Office filed three formal charges against Dixon on March 6. 

Charges include: 

• Child Molesting, Level Four Felony
• Sexual Battery 
• Possession of Marijuana 

Joseph Dixon is currently being held in the Starke County Justice Center on a $25,000 cash bond.