Columbus man charged for sexually abusing child over span of several years

According to court documents recently filed in Bartholomew County, 44-year-old Shaun Berger has been charged with:

• One count of rape, when compelled by force or imminent threat of force, a Level 3 felony
• One count of child molesting, a Level 4 felony
• One count of child seduction, a Level 5 felony
• One count of criminal confinement with bodily injury, a Level 5 felony
• One misdemeanor count of public voyeurism.

Officials with the Columbus Police Department said in a news release that detectives began investigating after a juvenile reported the alleged abuse in January. The juvenile alleged that a man, who police later identified as Berger, had abused her on multiple occasions since she was 7 years old.

According to court documents, the juvenile reportedly told police she was sexually abused from when she was 7 years old until she was 14 years old. The juvenile alleged that Berger forced her to perform sexual acts on him, as well as watch her bathe.

The department issued a warrant for Berger’s arrest and was reportedly able to locate his vehicle. On Tuesday, investigators were able to speak with Berger over the phone and he reportedly turned himself into officers later that day.

According to court documents, Berger’s initial hearing is scheduled for Friday in Bartholomew County. Berger remains in the Bartholomew County Jail “in lieu of a $850,000 bond.” The documents said that Berger refused to speak with law enforcement during the investigation.