CPD releases statement regarding school bus investigation

CPD releases statement regarding school bus investigation
For Current in Carmel


The Carmel Police Department released the following statement regarding the ongoing investigation of assault allegations involving Carmel High School basketball players:


The City of Carmel and Carmel Police Department wish to assure the community that they are working diligently to properly investigate the allegations involving Carmel High School students. This investigation is being taken very seriously and the Police Department is doing everything possible to protect the rights of the child victims involved.  


Michael Fogarty, Carmel’s Chief of Police, today announced that five investigators have been assigned to investigate the matter. These investigators are in the process of interviewing more than 60 potential witnesses. Fogarty emphasized that the allegations are serious and cautioned that the department’s investigation will be thorough and careful.

“This situation is being handled with the utmost care and attention. It is more complicated than a typical investigation because it involves minors. The Carmel Police Department is working to ensure that no mistakes are made, caused by haste or pressure from the media for premature disclosure of facts, that could jeopardize a conviction,” said Mayor Jim Brainard.


Fogarty added that we have all read of cases being dismissed or overturned by courts because of procedural mistakes made during the investigation. 


Brainard said that the Carmel police are well trained and that they are taking great care to ensure not only that the children who are the victims are protected but that no mistakes are made that could jeopardize a later conviction.
It is important to note that the Carmel Police investigation is a criminal investigation and is separate and distinct from the investigation being conducted by Carmel High School officials.