Columbus man sentenced to 40 years in prison for role in death of 2-year-old daughter

COLUMBUS — A Columbus man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for his role in the death of his 2-year-old daughter.

Jeremy Sweet, 41, pleaded guilty to neglect of a dependent resulting in death and a habitual offender enhancement. He would serve a total of 40 years with the Indiana Department of Corrections.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Jeremy and Emma Sweet, 2, were last seen together on November 24, 2021 and both were reported missing by a family member on November 25.

After being rescued from his submerged truck and taken to the hospital, Jeremy told detectives that he got lost on a dirt road and while trying to move the truck, it went over an embankment into River.

“Jeremy said water was coming into the truck, so he put Emma on the hood or roof of the truck. Jeremy said he and Emma fell into the water,” the affidavit states.

Jeremy said the two were on top of the truck and he held her for a while, but then put her on the top of the truck alone because they fell into the water together while they were both on the roof.

Jeremy told investigators he fell asleep and when he woke up, Emma was gone.

WATCH | Jeremy Sweet charged in connection with death of his daughter Emma

Jeremy Sweet charged in connection with death of his daughter Emma

Investigators say no blunt force trauma was found during Emma's autopsy after she was discovered on Nov. 29. It was undetermined whether hypothermia or drowning was the cause of death.

WATCH | Emma Sweet found submerged in water

Emma Sweet found submerged in water