Two men arrested in child molestation case

CLAY COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) - In Clay County, two men were arrested on charges related to a Child Molestation investigation conducted by the Clay County Sheriff’s Office.

On Friday evening, Tommy K Edmonson, 64, of Turner, Ind. and his grandson Jared Cooksey, 19, were arrested in connection to the case.

The CCSO started this investigation on Nov. 21, when they were contacted by Child Protective Services in regards to the possible molestation of a Clay County youth.

CCSO Detectives began interviewing the victim and located and interviewed potential witnesses in the case.

A forensic interview was scheduled and carried out due to how young to victim was, and the time frame involved in the molestation.

During one of the interviews, the Detectives were told that Cooksey’s molestation began about five years ago, and Edmonson’s started about a year ago.

Nearing the end of the investigation, CCSO Deputies received a call from a member of the victim’s family that Cooksey and a juvenile male had just driven in the area of the victim’s home and fired a handgun into the air.

Detective Jerry Siddons was able to locate Cooksey, traveling on a motorcycle.  Once Cooksey noticed he was spotted, he took off and a chance ensued.

Det. Siddons trailed him to the home of a relative of Cooksey’s.  Once backup arrived, Cooksey and the juvenile were taken into custody, and a handgun was found near a wood pile in the area.

Cooksey and juvenile, 17, were arrested and transported to the Clay County Justice Center, where the juvenile was released and Cooksey was incarcerated.

CCSO says charging information against Edmonson and Cooksey was presented to Vigo County Judge Rader, who order the pair to be held in lieu of $50,00 cash only bond.

Tommy K. Edmonson was arrested for Child Molestation and Sexual Misconduct with a Minor and is being held for $50,000 cash bond with no 10 percent.

Jared Cooksey was arrested for Child Molestation, Sexual Misconduct with a Minor and Possession of a Handgun Without a License and is also being held for $50,000 cash bond with no 10 percent.