15-Year-Old Charged in Alleged Sexual Assault of Seven-Year-Old

In a troubling case from Central Indiana, a 15-year-old boy, Landon Doty, is facing serious allegations related to the rape of a nonverbal seven-year-old girl. This incident reportedly took place on a school bus designed for students with special needs.

Prosecutors claim Doty assaulted the young girl on multiple occasions while other students were present. A juvenile probation officer described Doty’s behavior as “the worst” they had seen in nearly 40 years of service.

The victim, who suffers from significant autism and is nonverbal, has been the focus of considerable concern from her family and the community. Evidence, including video footage from the bus, has been reviewed by officials from Jennings County Schools Corporation.

Doty is charged with a series of offenses, including two counts of rape and multiple counts of sexual battery and child abuse. According to court documents, there is indication that Doty was aware of when he was being watched, only to continue his actions when he believed he was not being observed.

The young suspect is currently held at Jennings County Jail, facing a bail amount of $250,000. Laura Swafford, the attorney representing the victim’s family, expressed their need for answers, stating they are devastated by the events and want to raise awareness to prevent similar incidents in the future across the state.

Swafford criticized the school for its perceived failure to protect vulnerable students, adding, “This nightmare tragedy should never have happened.” She questioned how both the bus driver and other monitors could be oblivious to the situation.

Following his arrest, Doty was recorded expressing it feels like he’s “screwed.” The juvenile probation officer indicated that a trial as an adult is recommended for Doty given the severity of his actions.