Monroe County deputy fired after arrest for sexual assault and strangulation

A recently fired Monroe County sheriff's deputy faces charges of sexual assault and strangulation following his arrest on Friday.

Monroe County Sheriff Ruben Marté fired Deputy Jeffrey L. Freeman on Friday as a result of an investigation by the Indiana State Police. Indiana State Police spokesman Kevin Getz said the female victim reported the incident to Columbus police after coming into contact with Freeman during a transport to her car late Tuesday morning or early Wednesday morning. Getz said the victim was not charged or arrested during the encounter.

According to a press release from the Monroe County Sheriff's Office, Sheriff Marté was notified Thursday that the Indiana State Police were investigating Freeman's conduct. Marté followed up on that notification by directing his command staff to conduct an administrative review of the incident.

Freeman was fired Friday for policy violations. The press release did not provide any further information about the incident, but said the Monroe County Sheriff's Office is cooperating with the investigation.

Although there were no documented disciplinary actions during his time as a Monroe County deputy, Getz and the ISP wanted to ensure that any potential victims had the opportunity to report illegal activity related to Freeman.

The criminal investigation is ongoing and Indiana State Police urge citizens of Monroe and Putnam County – where he previously served – to contact ISP at 812-332-4411 to report any questionable or inappropriate interactions with Freeman that violate the Indiana Penal Code.