A 39-year-old Anderson man is facing four felony charges after court documents allege he sexually abused a teenage girl over the course of several years, beginning when she was just 14 years old. The teen told investigators the abuse happened at least four times a week and occurred in multiple locations, including outside Indiana.
Allegations Span Years, Multiple States
According to court documents cited by Fox 59, Lance Stewart began sexual contact with the teen in 2022, when he reportedly kissed her and began to “feel on her.” The teen told police the abuse continued over multiple years and happened on numerous occasions, with sexual acts occurring at least four times a week. She also reported that the abuse took place at several locations, including some outside Indiana, according to the same court documents.
The teen described Stewart as, in her words, the biggest manipulator she has ever met. Court documents allege that Stewart bought the teen items she wanted, reportedly as a way to obtain sexual favors and her silence.
Texts Reportedly Discussed the Abuse
Law enforcement seized Stewart's phone as part of the investigation, and court documents claimed that text messages between Stewart and the teen discussed the alleged sexual abuse. In one exchange described in those documents, the teen texted Stewart that he had ruined her life and that she was disgusted he had manipulated her. Stewart reportedly responded by telling her they could talk about it the next day.
Court documents state that Stewart confirmed some information regarding his relationship with the teen but denied any kind of sexual abuse.
Charges and Bond
Stewart was charged with four Madison County counts related to sexual misconduct with a minor and child seduction, per court documents referenced by Fox 59: one count of sexual misconduct with a minor is a Level 4 felony, another is a Level 5 felony, one count of child seduction is a Level 5 felony, and another is a Level 6 felony. He is currently out on a $2,500 cash bond in Madison County.
Indiana law defines sexual misconduct with a minor under Indiana Code § 35-42-4-9, which governs sexual conduct between adults and minors under 16. Separately, WTHR reported that Stewart was charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a girl for more than three years.
