A Logansport police officer is facing charges of neglect of a dependent after an incident went viral via social media in January during extreme cold temperatures, raising concerns from the community.
According to court documents, Carroll County Prosecutor Nicholas McLeland filed two felony charges of neglect of a dependent against Logansport Police Officer Cody Scott and his wife Kylie Scott on Friday, March 7.
The charges come after Indiana State Police first launched an investigation on the Scotts, who were accused of child neglect publicly on a Facebook post in January that showed a small child standing in extreme cold temperatures outside of their home holding a degrading sign.
It was confirmed by Indiana State Police Public Information Officer Steven Glass that a full investigation was started in January and was sent to the Cass County Prosecutor's Office in February. It was reported that the Cass County Department of Child Services had also assisted with the investigation. McLeland of Carroll County was later appointed special prosecutor for the case.
The original Facebook post was made by a passerby of the residence who reported their observation to police. At the time of the 911 call, the concerned citizen stated the young girl appeared to be cold, shivering and emotionally upset while holding a sign that read, “I want to stab and kill my brother, I even take an antipsychotic. If you need to give pity, then give it to the victims.”
Aware of the child's father being a Logansport Police Officer, the woman reporting the incident requested that the officer being dispatched to the scene not be the girl's father. Regardless of the request, however, the caller claimed that the father was the first officer to arrive on scene, but said another officer did eventually arrive around 10 minutes later. It was also reported that during the interaction with police, the girl's mother was allegedly seen giggling while watching out the window. Feeling uneasy about the situation, the caller eventually decided to post the photo to social media, publicly highlighting the situation.
“As an organization committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and service to the community, Logansport Police Department is dedicated to ensuring that all actions by officers are consistent with our values and policies,” said Logansport Police Department Chief Travis Yike in a press release earlier this year.
Officer Scott has been on administrative leave since the incident in January.
The Scott's each paid a $500 Monday at the Cass County Jail. A no contact order was issued upon their release. Both of the defendants are due to appear in the Cass County Circuit Court on Thursday, March 13.
Miss Lawrence County competes in state pageant
Lawrence County law enforcement makes four arrests
State committee approves IDOC mail rule
Information sought in Lawrence County man's death
U.S. Rep. Yakym’s bipartisan BARCODE Efficiency Act Advances
Thacker joins IHA Board of Directors
St Francisville City Council moves on water tower project
Miss Lawrence County heads to Springfield
New hanger planned at Mid-American Air Center
Two agreements approved by Vincennes Board of Works and Safety
Two arrests made by Lawrence County authorities
Deadline approaching for blind, disabled Hoosiers and seniors to receive property tax credits
Bridgeport Senior Center to close this week
One Night, One Cause: Indiana FFA needs your support for their ‘Blue and Gold Gala’
Gov. Braun secures National Drone Test Site Designation for Indiana
ISP with Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative this week
GSH implements masking restriction
Lawrenceville spends money on water well field
