Chesshir reportedly resigned due to sexual harassment claim

Lucy Perry photo

Vigo Co. Prosecutor, left; Travis Chesshir, right/ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

When the director of security for the Vigo County School Corp. abruptly resigned last week, the public felt something was not being said, or even might be covered up.

At the same time, the Vigo County Sheriff, John Plasse, then mentioned that Travis Chesshir had also had his special deputy status revoked with the department -- due to an incident that had recently occurred at the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge. Being vague, he referred further questions to the Terre Haute Police Department.

In any case, Chesshir, a former THPD detective, reportedly sexually harassed a woman at the FOP, located at S. 14th and Hulman Streets. A source, wishing to remain anonymous, contacted Indiana Central News Wednesday afternoon with the information.

He claims to have firsthand information on the incident.

"He smacked a lady on her butt at FOP. Lady was going to press charges if he didn't resign," he states.

Chief Shawn Keen has not responded to Indiana Central News requests for additional information on the case the department, in fact, investigated.  Chesshir has also declined to comment.

Meanwhile, the city attorney, Eddie Felling,has pointed out that no charges were filed in the FOP incident -- while evading what the true nature of the "incident" entailed.  Indiana Central News, and many other organizations, as well,  have submitted public information requests from that office.

This is the formal response from Felling's office:

Thank you for submitting your request for public records. As required by Ind. Code 5-14-3-9, this letter is a response to your request for access to public records, which was received by this office on May 12, 2021. The records you have specifically requested are listed in your email below.

This office will initiate a search of records.  Responsive records will be compiled and reviewed by this office.  City Legal anticipates a response to your request for public records soon. If you require a hardcopy, the copy cost will be $0.10 per page, unless Indiana Code mandates fees specific to the record(s) you have requested. We will notify you of the copy cost and will send you the records upon receipt of payment. If you prefer to pick up the records from the office, you may submit payment at that time.  In the event the records are available electronically, the responsive records will be sent to you electronically at no charge.

Please do not hesitate to contact this office if you need further assistance.

ICN will continue to follow this story.

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Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 85/ Lucy Perry photo