2 men arrested in Marshall County child solicitation sting

A late-night investigation by the Marshall County Sheriff's Department led to the arrest of two men Sunday morning after authorities say the suspects attempted to engage in sexual activity with a minor.

Tommy McKinney, 52, of Warsaw,

and William Marsillett, 67, of Etna Green,

                                                                                                were taken into custody on Sunday, October 25, at approximately 1:26 a.m. following a response to a report of criminal activity in progress at 12657 Beech Road, the Bourbon Truck Stop.

According to the Marshall County Sheriff's Department, patrol units were dispatched to the scene in reference to an adult male attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor. Through the course of the investigation, authorities determined that both McKinney and Marsillett had been communicating with a juvenile under the age of 14 — or a person they believed to be a juvenile under the age of 14. The communications were related to sexual activity and further encouraged the juvenile to engage in that activity with the suspects, the department said.

During the arrest, investigators located methamphetamine inside the vehicle the suspects drove to meet the juvenile.

McKinney and Marsillett each face charges of child solicitation, as a level 5 felony; possession of methamphetamine, as a level 6 felony; and inappropriate communication with a minor, as a Class A misdemeanor. The cash bonds were set at $1,500.

The investigation was conducted by Detective Sergeant Ryan Hollopeter of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and that further information may be released at a later date.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed.  They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.