Teen Kidnaps, Molests 6-Year-Old Girl, Says It Was Her Idea


An Indiana teenager accused of molesting a 6-year-old girl told police it was the victim’s idea.

Caleb Cooper faces charges of child molesting and criminal confinement after he kidnapped the victim from a playground near his apartment in New Castle.

The 19-year-old approached four children, including the victim and her brother, and started talking to them about his “new kitten.” He then grabbed the 6-year-old and dragged her away by her wrist. The other children banged on the door of Cooper’s apartment, but he wouldn’t open it. The children then went to neighbors’ houses for help.

Officers found the victim naked in Cooper’s bedroom, and she told them that he kissed her and took her clothes off. She also said he tried to have sex with her, but Cooper told a different story.

“She wanted to have sex with me. It was her idea,” he said. Officers said Cooper also chided himself, saying, “I’m so stupid, I can’t believe I got caught doing this again.” The teenager said he had just gotten off of parole for “having sex with another kid” when he was 14.

Henry County Prosecutor Joseph Bergacs said it had not been confirmed whether Cooper had previously been charged with molesting a child.

The victim was interviewed by police and welfare investigators and underwent medical exams. Cooper, who previously asked officers, “Am I going to get into a lot of trouble for this,” insisted he did nothing wrong.

Caleb Cooper faces a 30-year prison sentence for the child molesting charge, which is a Class A felony. The criminal confinement charge, a Class C felony, carries a standard four-year prison sentence. He is being held in Henry County jail under two bonds — a $10,000 cash bond and a $100,000 surety bond. His trial has been set for October 28.

What sentence do you think Caleb Cooper should get?

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