Terre Haute daycare worker arrested for sexual misconduct with minor

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A Terre Haute woman is behind bars after police say she had a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl in the summer of 2020.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Vigo County Court, the investigation into the actions of Sadie R. Barnes, 27, began after a victim came forward March 1 and told workers social media that the sexual relationship had left her traumatized and with abandonment issues. .

During a forensic interview, the victim told police that in 2020, she met Barnes, who worked at a Terre Haute daycare. Shortly after the encounter, the victim said Barnes began flirting with her, being touchy and eventually sending her loving messages via text.

The victim said she began visiting Barnes at an apartment on 8th Street where what she described as a “consensual sexual relationship” began.

“[Victim] explained that Sadie touched her entire body and kissed her several times on the mouth,” the PCA reads. “[Victim] said this all happened when she was 14 and before she was 15. [Victim] said Sadie stopped touching her when she was 15 and again when she was 16.

Terre Haute police detectives interviewed Barnes about the allegations on Thursday. Barnes allegedly admitted to having a sexual relationship with the victim.

“The Affiliate spoke with Sadie Barnes who described the [victim] as a 'lost child' when she met her,” the PCA reads. “Sadie explained that she knew she had sex with [victim] was wrong because of the age difference between the two of them.

Barnes allegedly told police the incidents occurred in July 2020, when the girl was 14 and Barnes was 24.

Barnes was then placed under arrest and taken to the Vigo County Jail. The probable cause affidavit calls for Barnes to face two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Level 4 felony. Court records show Barnes is being held for 72 hours to allow the prosecutor to file charges formal.