Staff Report
EVANSVILLE — An Evansville man was arrested in Lafayette, Indiana, on Friday following charges of child molestation filed by Vanderburgh County prosecutors.
The suspect, 54-year-old Douglas Diekmann, remains in the custody of the Tippecanoe County Jail as of Tuesday morning. It is unclear when he will be transferred to Vanderburgh County. Diekmann, who works as a banker, is being held on a $50,000 bond.
His arrest came after an investigation by the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, which found probable cause to believe Diekmann molested a boy, identified as “Victim 1” in the arrest affidavit. The incidents allegedly occurred between 10 and 14 years ago.
According to court records, Diekmann currently faces one count of felony child molesting. His attorney, Terrell Maurer from Bob Zoss Law Office, has filed an appearance on Diekmann’s behalf, though Maurer was not immediately available for comment.
Detectives reported that the victim claimed Diekmann repeatedly engaged in inappropriate acts when the victim was under the age of 14. Detective Mike Hertweck Jr. wrote in the affidavit that Diekmann allegedly instructed the victim on certain sexual behaviors and showed them explicit material.
The affidavit also mentions that detectives interviewed another individual who alleged they were molested by Diekmann during a sleepover when they were in the second grade. This person, referred to as an “involved other” rather than a “victim,” told investigators someone entered the room during the sleepover, got under the covers, and performed an inappropriate act. While the individual couldn’t confirm the perpetrator’s identity, they stated they believed it was Diekmann.
When asked what they wished to see happen to Diekmann, this person reportedly said they didn’t want “any other kid having anything done to them,” noting that Diekmann remains around children.
Diekmann’s public social media profile lists extensive volunteer experience with multiple Evansville-based organizations that work with children. The Courier & Press has reached out to these organizations to verify Diekmann’s involvement and whether they are aware of the allegations.
According to his online account, Diekmann’s volunteer work dates back to 1996.
