Police: Man tried to grope teen
FORTVILLE — A Fortville man is in jail amid allegations he propositioned an underage teen for sex and touched the teen inappropriately, according to court documents.
Robert Hartsock, 42, was arrested this week and charged with one Level 6 felony count of child seduction and one Level 6 felony count of sexual battery, records show.
A teen came forward Tuesday soon after the alleged incident, court documents state. The incident occurred at Hartsock’s home, where the teen said Hartsock made an inappropriate comment and tried to grope the teen.
The teen’s parents later called police. Hartsock was interviewed by a detective from the Fortville Police Department. He denied the teen’s allegations.
He was arrested and booked into the Hancock County Jail. He was formally charged on Friday and remained in jail at press time early today.
Each of the charges carries a potential penalty of the six months to 2½ years in jail.