Randy "Scott" Sullivan accused of grooming 15-year-old, sending inappropriate material

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On Sept. 24, 2024, the Howard County Sheriff’s Office patrol division was dispatched to the 3000 Block East of County Road 300 South for report of a harassment that was occurring at the residence.

Upon arrival, deputies discovered that several adults had shown up to this residence to confront Randy “Scott” Sullivan over inappropriate photos and videos that were sent to their 15 y/o daughter. During the course of the initial investigation, deputies learned that Sullivan was an employee of Taylor School Corporation and the basketball coach of the victim.

After collecting evidence and statements, this case was forwarded to the Criminal Investigations Division. On Sept. 25, 2024, Sheriff’s detectives began investigating the case and forensically processing the victim’s iPhone. During this time, several grossly inappropriate text messages, pictures, and videos were discovered. Further investigation later confirmed that several of the photos and videos clearly originated from inside the house where Scott lives, and that the number used belonged to a phone registered to Scott.

On Sept. 26, 2024, a forensic interview was conducted by a specialist with the victim and other investigators. During the course of the interview, several specific and private statements were provided that made it clear to investigators that the victim had been groomed for a long period of time by a trusted adult. Later that day, investigators contacted Scott and asked him to come in for an interview, which he declined.

On Sept. 27, 2024, investigators learned that Scott had left in his vehicle and was gone for approximately 1.5 days and was unable to be located by friends or family. Once he returned, a note was discovered in the vehicle that he was driving which was turned over to investigators. This handwritten letter contained apologies to his friends, family, and to the victim for letting everyone down and for things getting out of control.

On Sept. 30, 2024, detectives concluded their initial investigation and forwarded their findings to the Howard County Prosecutor’s Office to obtain a warrant for Scott’s arrest.

On Oct. 3, 2024, a warrant for the arrest of 49 y/o Randy “Scott” Sullivan was issued out of Howard County Superior Court II for the following charges:

35-42-4-6(c) Child Solicitation, Level 5 Felony

35-42-4-8(a)(1)(A) Sexual Battery, Level 6 Felony

35-49-3-3(a)(1) Dissemination of Matter Harmful to Minors, Level 6 Felony

Once the warrant was issued, deputies spent the afternoon looking for Scott at various locations throughout Howard County. At approximately 5:30 p.m., Scott turned himself into the Howard County Jail where he remains on a $50,000 cash bond.

Due to the sensitive nature of this case and to ensure that the child involved is not further victimized, the Sheriff's Office will not be providing any additional details. We respectfully ask the public and media to recognize the impact that further exposure and speculation can have on the child’s recovery. This is a time for healing, and it is essential that we allow the child and their family the privacy and support needed to move forward.

Furthermore, we urge parents and guardians to take this opportunity to speak with their children about the dangers of grooming and exploitation. Open, ongoing conversations about boundaries and recognizing suspicious behaviors are critical in protecting our children from harm. If anything seems unusual or concerning, please do not hesitate to contact law enforcement. Together, we can create a safer environment for all children.

This case remains under investigation, and anyone with information on this case or others should contact Detective Waymire at 765-614-3463 or by submitting a tip using the department’s app or at www.sheriff.howardcountyin.gov

The Howard County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes that the filing of the information is merely an allegation, and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.