Man charged for sexual misconduct with 14-year-old

A 20-year old Brown County man is facing a Level 5 felony for sexual misconduct with a minor after police say he engaged in a physical relationship with a 14-year-old.Indiana State Trooper Chris Griggs received information on March 21 of an inappropriate relationship between 20-year-old Chandler Popplewell, of Fruitdale Road, and the teen.Griggs spoke with the victim at home. Her mother reportedly knew of the relationship, but was initially told that Popplewell was 17. Once she found out his real age, the victim was not to be around him any longer, the police report said.The victim said that she and Popplewell were only friends and denied any physical interactions beyond hugging and a possible kiss.Griggs asked the mother for consent to search the victim’s phone and she agreed. The victim said she and Popplewell communicated via Snapchat, which keeps no record of conversation, but Griggs did find a few text messages exchanged regarding Popplewell giving the victim marijuana and the two napping together, the police report says.Popplewell told Griggs he had known the girl for about a year. He said the first time she came to his house was a few months prior. They did hug and kiss that evening.…
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