GOBLES – Two Gobles area residents face charges of criminal sexual conduct, child abuse, and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, following their arrest June 29, according to a press release from the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott reported that on June 29, at approximately 5 p.m., Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office deputies were contacted by a LaGrange County (IN) Sheriff’s Office deputy, regarding child sexual abuse and physical abuse occurring in Van Buren County. Sheriff Abbott said LaGrange County was able to provide detailed information related to the abuse. Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of Van Buren County Child Protective Services, were able to gather enough evidence to arrest both Jesse Lee Stone, 46, a Gobles area resident, and Stephanie Nicole Stone, 38, also of the Gobles area.
Jesse Stone was arraigned on multiple counts of criminal sexual conduct and child abuse. His bond was set at $750,000.
Stephanie Stone was arraigned on multiple counts of child abuse. Her bond was set at $100,000.
A search warrant was drafted for the residence, located in the 01000 block of M-40 Highway, which had an in-home daycare. Sheriff Abbott said it is not believed any children who attend the daycare portion of the home were being abused, but the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation of this matter.
The Van Buren County CID/detectives also assisted in the investigation.