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Indiana State Police Assist in the Arrest of a Terre Haute Man for 1987 Sexual Assault
Vigo County - Indiana State Police assisted the Rhode Island State Police with a criminal investigation concerning allegations of child molestation and sexual assault. The allegations involved two juvenile females and occurred in Rhode Island in April of 1987.
In September, Rhode Island State Police contacted the Indiana State Police and requested a DNA sample from a possible suspect of an alleged child molestation and sexual assault case that occurred in April 1987, in Exeter, Rhode Island. Frank J. Theis, age 66, of Terre Haute, Indiana, was being investigated as a possible suspect and was the individual in which a DNA sample was requested.
Through a covert operation, Indiana State Police Detectives with the Special Investigation Section were able to obtain samples of Theis’ DNA and turn it over to the Rhode Island State Police for analysis. Upon completion of the DNA analysis, it was confirmed by the Forensic Service Unit, with the Rhode Island Department of Health lab, that the DNA of the suspect matched Theis’ DNA. Troopers from the Putnamville State Police Post took Theis into custody on October 19, 2022, on an active warrant out of Rhode Island for two counts of first-degree child molestation and one count first degree sexual assault.
Theis was transported to the Vigo County Jail without incident. Theis was extricated back to Rhode Island on November 15, 2022, to face criminal charges.
Investigating Officers: Indiana State Police Sergeant Troy Stanton, Master Trooper Detective Tom Hanks of the Indiana State Police Special Investigation Section, with the assistance of CSI Sergeant Brandon Mullen.
Any further questions about this case should be directed to the Rhode Island State Police Detective Commander, Major Kenneth Moriarty at telephone 401-764-5605 or via email Kenneth.Moriarty@risp.gov
Arrested and Charges: Frank L. Theis, 66, Terre Haute, IN
- First Degree Child Molestation
- First-Degree Sexual Assault
Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Photo: Frank J. Theis
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