Full Notification

Madison County – A former Indiana Department of Corrections (I.D.O.C) employee, who once worked at the Pendleton Juvenile Correctional Facility, was arrested this evening on allegations she had inappropriate sexual contact with an 18 year old inmate.  The allegations stem from incidents that occurred in late December, 2016, while she was employed at the facility.
 
The Indiana State Police was contacted by I.D.O.C. investigators on 1/2/17 and an investigation into the allegations was begun. That investigation was completed and turned over to the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office for their review on February 1^st of this year, and a warrant was issued on 2/14/17.
 
The investigation culminated tonight when Sydney Kia Highbaugh, age 22 of Anderson, turned herself in at the Madison County Jail.  She was lodged for Sexual Misconduct as a Service Provider, Level 5 Felony; Official Misconduct as a Public Servant, Level 6 Felony, and Trafficking with an Inmate, “A” Misdemeanor.
 
Any further questions about the investigation should be referred to the Madison County Prosecutor’s Office.  Any questions about the suspect’s previous employment should be referred to I. D.O.C. officials. For an arrest photo please contact the Madison County Jail.
 
All Suspects Are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a Court of Law