The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Steven Sumner, a former Madison County Councilman and preacher, who is wanted on 18 counts of child molestation, including charges of rape and child seduction. According to Indiana Public Radio, a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to appear for his trial in July 2023, and the U.S. Marshals are leading the search for him.
Sumner, a Republican who served his second term on the Madison County Council and was listed as the pastor of Lighthouse Baptist Church, is also facing an investigation, according to WISH-TV. Over 100 images of potential child pornography was revealed on his digital devices. The charges stem from allegations made by a girl younger than 16, who reported that Sumner gave her alcohol and engaged in sexual acts with her.
The Marshals warn that Sumner is considered a flight risk, suicidal, and should be regarded as armed and dangerous, he has also been described as having brown hair and hazel eyes, standing 6 feet tall and weighing 215 pounds, as detailed on a FOX59 report. Moreover, Sumner allegedly has access to a support network, which is suspected of offering him resources such as money, transportation, and fake identification that could assist in his evasion of capture.
Authorities are also searching for Sharon Bailey Wood Barker, 63, believed to be an associate of Sumner. Barker is described as 5 feet 7 inches tall, weighing 125 pounds, with blonde hair, and may have aided Sumner in fleeing from the law. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Steven Sumner or Barker is urged to contact U.S. Marshal Service investigator George Sheridan at (317) 903-7693.
