STARKE COUNTY, Ind. -- The Starke County Sheriff's Office reports in July 2025, a joint investigation began with detectives from the Marshall County and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Departments regarding alleged sexual abuse against a juvenile girl.

Authorities say during the months-long investigation, several interviews were conducted and evidence was gathered, including social media communications between the suspect, 35-year-old Donald O. Risner of Monterey, and the victim.

The complete investigation was then submitted to the Starke County Prosecutor’s Office for review.

On Thursday, Risner was formally charged with a plethora of felonies.

Risner is being held at the Indiana Department of Correction’s Michigan City facility.

SCSO will take custody of Risner once he's released and taken to the Starke County Jail.

Risner is charged with the following:

• Nine counts of Child Molesting, Level 1 Felonies
• Nine counts of Child Seduction, Level 2 Felonies
• One count of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 Felony

Risner's bond was set at $250,000 cash by the Starke Circuit Court.

Risner is currently incarcerated in the Indiana Department of Corrections on an unrelated case.