U.S. Marshals offers reward for wanted former Madison County councilman accused of child molestation

INDIANAPOLIS — The U.S. Marshals Service is offering a $25,000 reward as they continue to look for a former Madison County councilman accused of 18 counts of child molestation.

This comes as the U.S. Marshals and Indiana State Police continue to search for 56-year-old Steven Sumner. Sumner, a former preacher of a local church, resigned from his seat on the Madison County Council in May 2021 after charges were filed against him in December 2020.

According to previous reports, Sumner is accused of performing sex acts on a girl and inappropriately touching her. Images and photos of a nude girl were also reportedly found on his phone. Sumner was previously thought to be in the Gaitlinburg, Tennessee area.

The U.S. Marshals Service states that Sumner is considered a “flight risk, suicidal and should be considered armed and dangerous.” They also state that Sumner reportedly has access to a “support network which could provide him money, transportation, fake identification and ways to support him.”

If individuals have any tips on Sumner’s whereabouts, they are asked to call (317) 268-8484.