Arrest warrant issued for Bartholomew County man accused of child molesting

COLUMBUS, Ind. — An arrest warrant has been issued for a Bartholomew County man facing multiple felony counts of child molesting.

According to court documents, police are searching for 68-year-old Larry Williams after receiving a child molestation report out of Bartholomew County. The report was initially brought forward by the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office.

Court documents show that a woman reported that a 4-year-old child had told her that “Grandpa Allen” had allegedly touched them in their private areas. This is alleged to have occurred earlier this year between Feb. 22 and Feb. 24 at a residence located in the 3100 block of E. 750 N. in Columbus.

Court documents indicate that Williams was previously convicted in 1983 of child molesting in a separate Bartholomew County case. This incident reportedly involved a 15-year-old victim. Following his conviction, Williams was sentenced to five years in prison.

Williams was again convicted of child molesting seven years later in Bartholomew County, with the victim reported to be nine years old in that case. He received a 40-year sentence and was released from prison after serving 15 years, court documents said.

As part of their investigation, detectives conducted a forensic interview with the victim on March 6. The victim said Williams allegedly touched them inappropriately on at least five separate occasions.

Detectives then met with Williams on April 8, where they discussed the latest allegations brought against him. Williams allegedly admitted that he may have seen the victim “semi-naked” at least one time while they were inside his residence and that this “excited” him.

Williams also reportedly admitted that he placed his hands down the pants of the victim and “rested” his hands on the victim’s groin area, court documents said. He also reportedly acknowledged his two prior child molesting convictions.

Online court records indicate that Williams is facing two preliminary charges of Child Molesting, with both being Level 4 Felonies.