WTH man accused of incest and sexual misconduct with niece

ICN file photo

By Lucy Perry
Indiana Central News

WEST TERRE HAUTE - A Vigo County Sheriff's Office investigation has landed one local man in jail on allegations he was involved in an incestuous sexual relationship with a teenager -- his autistic niece.

Adam R. Tingley, 42, of West Terre Haute, was booked into the Vigo County Jail Tuesday around 11:30 a.m. He is charged with incest and sexual misconduct with a minor.

Tingley/Vigo Co. Jail

Officials believe the sexual relationship was ongoing, beginning when the girl, now 15, was just 14.

Further investigation revealed the alleged sexual activity was occurring on weekends, when the teen, from Illinois, would regularly stay overnight at her uncle's home in Vigo County.

The victim eventually told a case worker that she  routinely had sex with Tingley in his hot tub, his bed or on the couch --- while the suspect's wife was at church or work, or otherwise preoccupied --  according to court documents. The activity included oral sex and intercourse and was initiated by him, she reportedly stated.

The investigation began last month, when the victim's mother informed authorities that she had discovered inappropriate communication taking place between Tingley and the girl. She noticed the communication just after checking her daughter's Instagram messages for any suspicious activity. 

The messages she saw were of a sexual nature, according to the probable cause affidavit, filed by Det. John Newman, of the Vigo County Sheriff's Office.

The victim's mother immediately stopped allowing the girl to visit her uncle's home, although the girl initially denied anything had occurred between them.

She was reportedly upset after piecing together the inappropriate communication and behavior, including expensive items recently purchased for her daughter as gifts from Tingley. She told investigators Tingley had given her daughter several gift cards and video games. She believed the gifts were evidence that something more might be going on between the two.

 According to the court documents, the suspect's brother [victim's father] is a convicted child molester and the suspect has also been accused of sexual abuse in the past. In fact, Tingley is listed on the Sex Offender Registry.

It is also noted there was communication found on the victim's cell phone app involving another man, 40, from out of state. The other man was described as a role player, who allegedly encouraged the girl to participate in sex acts with her uncle, which he allegedly asked her to video, so he could watch.

Tingley is scheduled to appear in Div. 6  Superior Court Oct. 28. He remains held in the jail on $35,000 bond, no 10 percent allowed.

The Department of Child Services assisted in the investigation.