Monroe County deputy fired amid Indiana State Police investigation

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, Jr. on Friday as a result of an investigation by the Indiana State Police. A 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.

The Monroe County Sheriff's Office was notified Thursday that Indiana State Police were investigating Freeman's conduct.

Freeman was fired Friday for policy violations. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is cooperating with the investigation.

Freeman is currently charged with four crimes: sexual assault, strangulation, abuse of office and obstruction of justice.

Freeman was previously incarcerated in Putnam County. Freeman was transferred to Morgan County custody after being arrested at the Monroe County Jail in Bloomington.