Update: Prosecutor's Office Releases Statement Regarding Dismissed Underwood Case

AUGUST 15 UPDATE:

On Friday, August 15, the Washington County Prosecutor's Office issued a statement regarding the recent dismissal of charges for a local man who was arrested on August 3 on allegations of child molestation.

The statement is included in full below.

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“Statement from the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office – State of Indiana v. Jeremy Underwood

“As the elected Prosecuting Attorney, it is my office’s responsibility to pursue justice for both the community and victims in every case we handle. Even after an initial filing decision is made, the investigation and discovery processes in a criminal matter can remain ongoing. When my assessment of a case changes based on the totality of the circumstances, I have a duty to reevaluate the charges alleged and determine whether charges should be added, amended, or dismissed.

“I take every investigation seriously from my initial review through trial, fully understanding the impact each case has on both a victim’s and a defendant’s life. If developments occur at any stage of the process that make it unjust to the parties involved to continue prosecution, I am obligated to make the difficult decision to dismiss charges. This is why our criminal justice system rightfully considers all defendants innocent until proven guilty.

“Child sex crimes are among the most serious matters my office handles, and I consider their prosecution one of my highest priorities. Since taking office in 2023, we have secured convictions against more than 32 defendants for child sex crimes, resulting in approximately 153 years of incarceration. This represents a more than 300% increase in filings compared to the three years prior to my election, during which there were 15 convictions totaling approximately 38 years of incarceration. These results demonstrate my unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community.

“In the State of Indiana v. Jeremy Underwood, after reviewing the totality of evidence obtained through the ongoing investigation, proceeding would have been unjust to the parties involved. As a result, we requested that the charges be dismissed and the defendant released, which the court has ordered. While these decisions are never easy, they are essential to ensuring that the pursuit of justice remains fair, ethical, and in accordance with the law.”

— Tara Coats Hunt, Washington County Prosecutor”

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PREVIOUS UPDATE TO ARTICLE

August 14, 2025 – On Thursday, August 14, Judge Larry Medlock says the State requested a dismissal and release for Jeremy Underwood, who previously faced charges of child molestation. As required, Judge Medlock ordered said dismissal and release. Underwood's jury trial, previously set for December 2, has been canceled.

"I just want it out to the public that the allegations made were false," said Jeremy's wife Linda Underwood. "My husband's reputation is now ruined through our community due to this. He's lost his job because of this. We want it out there that it was all false. I think it's absolutely disgusting the way this community acted through this process, as well as wishing death upon [him] without knowing the truth, let alone the story."

The Washington County Prosecutor's Office declined to comment or share additional information on the case.

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE BELOW:

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Salem Police officers arrested 35-year old Jeremy Wayne Underwood of Salem on three counts of child molestation, following an Indiana State Police investigation which began in May.

According to a press release by Indiana State Police – Sellersburg, an Indiana Department of Child Services family case manager reported allegations of inappropriate sexual contact between Underwood and a minor to ISP Detective Travis Baker on May 19, who then launched a criminal investigation into the matter. The investigation was conducted along with DCS personnel and included a forensic interview with the victim at a local child advocacy center.

Following his investigation, Detective Baker provided all information to the Washington County Prosecutor’s Office for review and charging. An arrest warrant was issued for Underwood on July 29, 2025. The warrant was for three counts of Child Molestation, each charge being a Level 4 Felony.

On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Indiana State Police say that Jeremy Underwood was located and arrested by officers with the Salem Police Department and remanded into the Washington County Jail without incident.