NEWTON – An Indiana man was arrested by authorities in Jasper County last week following a sexual abuse investigation in Newton.

The Newton Police Department reports that on May 13, 2026, they received a report from an adult victim alleging sexual abuse by a family friend that occurred over several years while the victim was a teenager. The suspect was identified as 41-year-old Dr. Benjamin Steven Randel of Lebanon, Indiana.

Investigators determined that no physician-patient relationship existed between Randel and the victim during the time period in which the alleged abuse occurred. Officers obtained an arrest warrant following their investigation, and on June 18, Randel voluntarily surrendered to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office without incident. He was taken into custody and released after posting a $13,000 bond.

Randel now faces charges of 3rd Degree Sexual Abuse (class C felony), Assault with Intent to Commit Sexual Abuse (aggravated misdemeanor), and Lascivious Conduct with a Minor (serious misdemeanor).