Madison County councilman in Indiana charged with child seduction and possession of child pornography

The probe led by the Indiana State Police revealed that 52-year-old Steve Sumner allegedly possessed child pornography and engaged in child seduction with a minor under the age of 16.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the underage victim accused Sumner of molesting her for the past two years, WTHR reported. She told investigators that Sumner served her an alcoholic beverage, touched her inappropriately, performed sexual acts on her, and tried to force her to touch him in a sexual manner.

Interviews with multiple witnesses led police to obtain Sumner's electronic devices. His cell phone contained 138 images of females exposing their breasts and genital areas, The Herald Bulletin reported.

He turned himself in to the Madison County Jail on Monday afternoon and is currently being held on bond. A conviction would carry a possible prison sentence of six to 30 months and a maximum fine of $10,000.

Sumner represents District 2 on the county council, serving a second term after his 2018 re-election. He can continue to serve on the council until the court case is resolved. If Sumner is convicted, he would be ineligible.