Police bust fight ring involving minors in Dearborn County

(ST. LEON, Ind.) – Investigators have busted an alleged underage fight ring in the Sunman area. 

Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said the investigation began after a tip was received that an East Central eighth grader was participating in the fights. 

It led to an investigation by the Indiana Gaming Commission (IGC) where an officer discovered eight online videos that showed a “fight club” environment with minors as well as adults participating.

One minor admitted to the IGC that he participated in the fights in Dearborn County and he was injured during a match.

“The videos online that capture these alleged crimes are very disturbing to say the least.  They show young people, some of whom appear to be juveniles, engaging in brawls, sometimes with adults.  At least one participant was a 14-year-old child,” said Prosecutor Lynn Deddens.

Investigators later determined that the fights were taking place in the area of Schwipps and Chalk Road. 

Police say they could see a metal cage on the property and were able to identify two suspects who allegedly conducted the matches. 

Nolan Roberts and Damien Foster, who are both 21, have been arrested for Failing to Obtain a Gaming License.

Prosecutors were confined by current law when it came to the charges they could file. 

“Unfortunately, according to the law, these crimes are only Class B Misdemeanors and will remain that way until the Indiana Legislature addresses the issue of unlicensed fights involving children,” Deddens said.  “Until such time, we will use the tools we do have to prosecute individuals involved in events of this nature to the fullest extent allowed by law.”

Both Roberts and Foster are due back in court on December 4.