A 24-year-old Indianapolis man was sentenced to 26 years in prison on Wednesday in a Boone County court after a jury found him guilty of two mid-level felony counts of rape against two juveniles, according to online records.
Damian Hatton was also found guilty of two misdemeanor charges: violence and contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile. Hatton’s two low-level felony counts of sexual battery were vacated. Judge Matthew Kincaid of Boone Superior Court 1 also required Hatton to register as a sexually violent predator for life.
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According to a news release issued Thursday by the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, the crimes occurred in separate incidents in Lebanon in October and December 2024.
According to Special Victims Prosecutor Heidi Jennings of Boone County, “These victims demonstrated extraordinary strength from the moment they came forward.” Their bravery, along with comprehensive research and a good trial presentation, enabled this conclusion.”
According to the announcement, in addition to the police investigation, Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center conducted forensic interviews for the victims throughout the process.
In a statement in the release, Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Kent Eastwood stated, “When individuals threaten the safety of our children, we will pursue them relentlessly and ensure they are removed from our neighborhoods for a very long time.”
If you suspect child abuse, neglect, or sexual exploitation, call the Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-800-5556. Reports can be submitted anonymously.
