HANCOCK CO. – Indiana State Police (ISP) Detectives have arrested David McDaniel, 54, of New Palestine, on allegations of child molestation. The arrest follows an investigation initiated on July 9, 2025, when ISP Detectives received information concerning incidents of child sexual abuse that allegedly occurred several years ago.
Investigators immediately began looking into the provided information, conducting interviews that ultimately led to the request for a search warrant.
On July 22, 2025, ISP Detectives, with the assistance of ISP SWAT members, executed the warranted search at McDaniel’s residence in New Palestine. The ongoing investigation subsequently led to his arrest.
Authorities confirmed that McDaniel is a former law enforcement officer, and the alleged crimes are said to have occurred while he was employed as a police officer. McDaniel was taken into custody on Thursday, July 24, 2025, and transported to the Hancock County Jail.
The Hancock County Prosecutor will determine formal charges after reviewing the case.
It is important to note that this arrest is based upon probable cause of a crime, and the charges mentioned are preliminary. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
