Warren County - Detectives with the Indiana State Police Lafayette District Bureau of Investigations have concluded an investigation that led to the arrests of Richard Lark and Megan Vessels.
The investigation began in December 2024 when the Warren County Sheriff’s Office received information regarding allegations of sexual misconduct with a minor. The Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from Indiana State Police detectives from the Lafayette Post.
In late December, detectives gathered evidence that led them to apply for and obtain a search warrant for a residence in Pine Village. During the execution of the warrant, Lark was located inside the residence, along with additional evidence. Lark was taken into custody and transported to the Warren County Jail.
As the investigation continued, detectives obtained information leading them to believe that Megan Vessels had been transporting the minor to and from Lark’s residence, knowing that sexual relations were occurring. On April 10, 2025, troopers from the Indiana State Police Lafayette Post located Vessels and took her into custody without incident.
Arrested and Preliminary Charges:
Richard Lark, 36, from Pine Village
1. Sexual Misconduct with a Minor – Level 4 Felony (5 Counts)
2. Child Exploitation – Level 5 Felony
3. Possession of Child Pornography – Level 6 Felony (3 Counts)
Megan Vessels, 32, from Fowler
1. Promotion of Sexual Trafficking of a Younger Child – Level 3 Felony
During the investigation, Detectives were assisted by other troopers from the Lafayette Post, the Warren County Prosecutors Office, the Warren County Sheriff's Office, Benton County Sheriff's Office, and the Fowler Police Department.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.