From Decatur County Sheriff Bill Meyerrose
On November 5, 2023 at approximately 11:28 PM, Decatur County Communications
received a call from the Center of Hope at Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis,
IN. The caller stated there was a juvenile female at their facility who was being
examined as a possible victim of child molestation. The caller further stated that the
crime allegedly occurred in Decatur County.
With the information provided, a search warrant was requested and granted for a
residence in Decatur County where the alleged crime occurred. Evidence was secured at
this residence.
As a result of this investigation, Thomas Dillan Collins, 27 years of age, was arrested November 6 th on allegations involving the following charges:
Child Molesting, a Level 1 Felony
Rape, a Level 3 Felony
Incest, a Level 4 Felony
Criminal Confinement, a Level 5 Felony
Intimidation, a Level 6 Felony.
Collins is currently incarcerated at the Decatur County Detention Center and awaiting his
initial appearance in court.
Sheriff Meyerrose would like to acknowledge the work done by the following people and
agencies that brought this investigation to a swift conclusion:
Det. Jean Burkert, Decatur County Sheriff’s Dept.
Chief Deputy Eric Blodgett, Decatur County Sheriff’s Dept.
Cpl Pat Richards, Decatur County Sheriff’s Dept.
Deputy Billy Pruitt, Decatur County Sheriff’s Dept.
Deputy Curt Harry, Decatur County Sheriff’s Dept.
Decatur County Communications
Department of Child Services
The staff at the Center of Hope at Riley Hospital
The Children’s Advocacy Center of Southeastern Indiana
The Decatur County Prosecutors Office.
Under Indiana law, defendants are presumed to be innocent unless, and until they are
proven guilty in a court of law.
