CLAY COUNTY, Ind – Brazil police have now arrested two men for allegedly molesting a young child.
The young female reported an incident to school officials who then contacted police.
Chief Clint McQueen says that officers arrested 43-year-old Jesse Lee Rogers in connection to this case back in January. Rogers faces charges of child molesting, performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor, neglect of a dependent, and dissemination of matter harmful to a minor. Rogers is being held on $50,000 cash only bond. Online jail records indicate that his next court date is April 1st.
Police arrested 40-year-old Jacob Ballinger late last week for allegedly molesting the same child at a different time. He is also believed to be a cousin to Rogers. Ballinger was picked up in Greencastle and brought back to Clay County.
Ballinger faces a charge child molesting and is being held on $25,000 cash only bond. Online jail records indicate that his next court appearance is set for May 10th.
The mother of the child, 29-year-old Brooklyn Higar, was also arrested back in January on charges of neglect of a dependent. The child reportedly told the mother of the incidents, but Higar did not report the accusations to police. She has since been released from jail.
The child has been removed from the home by child protection officials.
