FORT WAYNE, Ind. (Fort Wayne’s NBC) - Indiana State Police detectives say they arrested a Wolcottville police officer following an investigation of alleged official misconduct involving a minor child. Here is the official release with all of the information from state police.

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DATE: February 14, 2022

Indiana State Police Investigation Leads to Arrest of Wolcottville Police Officer

(Wolcottville, IN)- This afternoon, detectives with the Indiana State Police - Fort Wayne Post arrested a Wolcottville police officer following an investigation of alleged official misconduct involving a minor child.   Officer Zarek B. Finley, 27, of Wolcottville, was arrested on multiple felony charges related to this investigation, and is currently being held in the Noble County jail without bond pending his initial court appearance.

The investigation began on February 4, 2022 after information was reported to ISP detectives by the Noble County Sheriff’s Department and the mother of the involved 16 year old female victim.  In that initial complaint, the mother reported information which alleged that Wolcottville Police Officer Zarek Finley, while acting in his official capacity, had allegedly been exchanging inappropriate electronic communications with her 16 year old daughter via social media messaging platforms.  From this information, detectives began an immediate and thorough investigation.

Based on information and evidence collected by detectives to this point earlier today, an onsite arrest was made this afternoon.  After review by the DeKalb County Prosecutor (Special Prosecutor assigned), it was determined that the following criminal charges would be filed, with the possibility for more criminal charges forthcoming.

ARRESTED:           Zarek B. Finley, 27, Wolcottville, IN

CHARGES:

• Attempted Child Seduction, Level 5 Felony
• Attempted Dissemination of Material Harmful to a Minor, Level 6 Felony
• Attempted Possession of Child Pornography, Level 6 Felony

This is an ongoing criminal investigation, for which there is no further information to release at this time.  Any questions regarding the employment of Officer Finley should be directed to the Wolcottville Police Department.

*All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.

ISP Detectives were assisted in this investigation by Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Task Force Officers.

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