Authorities say a Seymour couple long known for running a church food pantry is now at the center of a criminal investigation into alleged child abuse. Farron J. Dyer, 30, and his wife, Raven N. Dyer, 29, were arrested this week on multiple felony counts, including child molesting and sexual misconduct with a minor, according to Indiana State Police. Both were taken to the Jackson County Jail, where they are being held while prosecutors prepare formal charges. Investigators say the case opened after the Indiana Department of Child Services received a tip about possible abuse, and they later found evidence that a juvenile had been molested and battered earlier this year. State police describe the investigation as ongoing.
As reported by WRTV, the couple was booked on Wednesday on preliminary counts of child molesting, sexual misconduct with a minor, neglect of a dependent and battery. The station notes that the arrests followed a nearly two week investigation overseen by Indiana State Police.
Investigation timeline
Indiana State Police say the case began on April 10, when the Department of Child Services contacted troopers about the alleged abuse, according to WAVE. Detectives told reporters they uncovered evidence indicating the abuse took place earlier this year. ISP officials say the investigation remains active and that additional details could surface as they continue their work.
Church ties and community role
The Dyers are listed as directors of the iCare Food Ministry on the Seymour Harvest Church website, which states the pantry has served Jackson County residents for more than two decades. Local coverage and the church page highlight the couple’s visible presence at food distributions and community drives. When news of the arrests first broke, the church had not yet issued a public statement addressing the case.
What happens next
Both defendants remain in the Jackson County Jail as they await the filing of formal charges and an initial court appearance in Jackson County Circuit Court, according to local reports. Prosecutors will decide which charges to formally pursue and whether to seek bond. Until those charges are filed and tested in court, the allegations against the couple remain unproven.
