The Lead Off
- A Hendricks County man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after being convicted of sexual misconduct with a minor.
- Prosecutors say the case involved online grooming through social media and messaging apps.
- The sentence follows a jury trial that concluded in May 2026.
HENDRICKS COUNTY, IND. (WOWO) A 27-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after a Hendricks County jury found him guilty of sexual misconduct with a minor, according to the Hendricks County Prosecutor’s Office.
Officials say the sentence was handed down following a three-day jury trial that concluded in May 2026. The defendant, Zachary Stober, was originally charged in December 2024 according to CBS-4 Indy.
Investigation began with online contact
Court records show the case involved a 14-year-old girl who told investigators she met Stober through Snapchat in 2023.
According to investigators, Stober allegedly used a false identity and told the victim he was a teenager before arranging to meet her in person after learning she lived nearby.
The victim reported the incident during a June 2024 interview with investigators.
Allegations presented at trial
Prosecutors said evidence at trial showed Stober communicated with juveniles through social media and messaging apps and arranged in-person meetings.
Court documents state the victim met Stober at his apartment in Avon, where she said she was assaulted after being told they would watch television and spend time together.
Investigators said the victim later identified Stober through social media accounts and a photo lineup conducted by police.
Authorities also said Stober gave inconsistent statements during interviews, initially denying or minimizing contact before later acknowledging meeting the victim.
Prosecutors describe pattern of behavior
Hendricks County Prosecutor Loren Delp said evidence presented at trial showed Stober targeted multiple juveniles online, including some as young as 9 years old.
Delp said the conduct presented in court was considered an aggravating factor in sentencing.
Sentence issued by court
The sentencing order states Stober was sentenced to 10 years in the Indiana Department of Correction. He was also ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution and is subject to a no-contact order involving the victim.
Officials said the sentence is two years short of the maximum possible under the conviction.
The Takeaway
- A Hendricks County judge sentenced Zachary Stober to 10 years in prison after a jury convicted him of sexual misconduct with a minor.
- Prosecutors said the case involved allegations of online grooming and an assault involving a 14-year-old girl in Avon.
- In addition to prison time, the court ordered restitution and imposed a no-contact order as part of the sentencing.
Next steps
The case is now closed at the trial court level following sentencing. Any further legal action would proceed through the Indiana appellate court system if an appeal is filed.
