Warning: This article contains graphic descriptions of suicide and sexual abuse, including rape. According to multiple news outlets officials in Henry County were aware of sexual abuse and did not take action to stop it.

Lawsuits filed by seven community corrections participants allege that the former deputy director of the program, Jason Bertram, coerced them into sexual acts through promises of leniency or threats of violations that could send them to jail.

Former Sheriff and County Commissioner Kim Cronk is also accused of participating in the sexual abuse, including at least one accusation of rape, and of covering up the abuse perpetrated by Bertram. Both Cronk and Bertram died by suicide after their actions were reported.

Fox59’s coverage of the story includes a quote from attorney Jon Little stating, “one police officer in Henry County said, 75% of law enforcement knew about Sheriff Cronk, (and) knew about Bertram, for some reason, they let that go.”

This is a story that has unfolded over several years, for a better understanding of the case you can read testimony and documentation included in stories published by the IndyStar, the Muncie Star Press, and Fox59.