INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WOWO): The former New Castle-area director of the Indiana Department of Child Services now faces charges in connection with a child sexual exploitation case.
Leaders with the U.S. Attorney‘s office say 58-year-old Michael Fleming – also a member of the New Castle school board – is charged with perjury and making a false statement to federal investigators and a grand jury. Authorities say Fleming lied about “not knowing” anything about complaints filed against Darrell Hughes. Hughes is charged with three counts of child sexual exploitation. Hughes, a former New Castle school counselor, is accused of secretly taping underprivileged, boys showering in his Muncie home.
U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett says they’re still trying to figure out why Fleming would “lie” about not knowing anything about complaints against Hughes. The criminal complaint against Hughes states he admitted to a female DCS worker that he told a “white lie” to investigators. Fleming faces up to 13 years behind bars if convicted. Authorities say Hughes is awaiting his next court date.