Elkhart County Police are investigating an incident at the Elkhart County 4-H Fair in which a 54-year-old man was seen taking pictures of young females at the Saddle Club.
Captain Jim Bradberry tells FOX28 that Wednesday night saddle club members became suspicious of a man taking pictures with a camera. "I think everyone can understand at the fair everyone has their phones and cameras out and their taking pictures but this person drew the attention of the crowd and they became alarmed and concerned about his behavior," said Bradberry.
Inside the suspicious mans car police found more photos featuring young girls. He was issued a no trespass, which basically means he is not welcome at the fair anymore and if he returns he'll be arrested for criminal trespass. Police are still investigating and criminal charges against the man may come in the future. For now fair goers are shocked. Livviya Haarer said, "I think that' really disgusting and gross." Paige Mortakis said, "it's just wrong in so many ways. I don't want someone just creeping and taking pics of me" and Patsy Ford simply said, "It's kinda sick."
The Fair released this statement about the incident, "The Elkhart County 4-H Fair places a very high priority on the safety of all our patrons. Since this is an ongoing criminal investigation no comments can be made at this time."
Despite this incident fair goers say they see cops all over the fair grounds so they still feel safe.
"They're keeping a really good eye out," said Ford.
Police said this serves as a reminder for everyone to always keep an eye out to what's going on around them. "Whether you're at the fairground or the store or wherever you go I think you have to have a certain situational awareness of your surroundings," said Bradberry.
The man has not been arrested. Bradberry said that is because while possessing child pornography is illegal, in order for it to be considered that the people in the photos have to be under the age of 16. Right now police are looking at all the evidence to determine if it is child pornography and charges may be brought against the man in the future.
