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WABASH COUNTY — A Wabash County firefighter is being charged with child molestation.
Pleasant Township Fire Department Assistant Chief Joel McColley, of North Manchester, is charged with three counts of child molesting, level 4 felonies. The case was filed Monday.
On July 9, Pleasant Township Fire Department learned McColley was arrested.
“These charges against him are serious and disgraceful,” said a statement from the PTFD posted on their Facebook page Monday. “PTFD expects high moral character from all members especially those in leadership positions.”
McColley has been suspended from all department functions and positions and will be removed pending the results of any investigations and court proceedings. The fire department has also learned that he has been suspended/removed from the other organizations he is affiliated with.
“Contrary to online accusations, PTFD has not and will not attempt to cover up any wrongdoing and all agencies and authorities involved will have our full support and cooperation should they need it. PTFD is committed to serving our community to the highest level possible and we will not let this incident take away from that mission. We will not be taking any other questions at this time,” said the PTFD statement.
One of the organizations McColley was suspended from, effective immediately, was Wabash County Emergency Management. McColley will be removed pending the results of any court proceedings, according to a statement posted on the Wabash County Emergency Management Facebook page.
“Wabash County Emergency Management is committed to serving our community to the highest level possible and we will not let this incident take away from our mission. We will not be taking any questions at this time, as this is an ongoing court case,” said the statement.
Since McColley’s arrest, he has been released on bond following his initial hearing and is required to have no contact with the person he is accused of molesting.
A pretrial conference is set for Oct. 20 with a trial tentatively set to start Nov. 18.
