A 60-year-old Knox man was arrested on Monday and is now facing multiple felony charges that include rape and sexual misconduct.
According to the Starke County Sheriff's Office, Richard Gast, 60, of Knox, was arrested on Monday, October 19, on outstanding warrants.
Prior to the arrest, Starke County Sheriff’s Detectives assigned to the Starke County Major Crimes Unit were assigned a case involving the allegations of sexual abuse of a minor. Investigators worked with the Indiana Department of Child Services throughout the investigation.
At the completion of the investigation, a report was forwarded to the Starke County Prosecutors Office, where after review formal charges were filed.
Prosecutors formally charged Gast with two counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, one being a Level 4 Felony and the other a Level 5 Felony; and two counts of rape when victim has verbally or otherwise refused, both Level 3 Felonies.
Gast is currently being held at the Starke County Justice Center on a $250,000 cash bond.
Indiana State Police partners with DEA for Drug Take Back Day
Sumner Attendance Center conducting School Lockdown Drill Tuesday
Youth deer hunters set Illinois record, Lawrence Co. numbers up
IDNR to pause chronic wasting disease public informational meetings for fall 2026
Southern Illinois Salvation Army looking for holiday bell ringers
Illinois Farm Bureau continues rural grant program
Youth killed in southwestern Indiana accident
NTSB issues final report on train derailment in Edwards County
Red Hill Unit #10 seeking funding for BGS improvements
Lawrence and Richland County burn ban rescinded
Environmental Rules Board & IDEM act to lift fuel restrictions, reduce red tape for Indiana fire departments
Low-interest loans available for businesses, residents impacted by June 2026 severe weather
Cannonball Inn in St. Francisville under new ownership
New hanger project ready to begin soon at Mid-American Air Center
Bridgeport deals with water system matters
Sumner moving forward with Route 50 waterline expansion project
