Indianapolis man sentenced to 26 years for raping 2 juveniles in Lebanon

LEBANON, Ind. (WISH) — A 24-year-old Indianapolis man was sentenced Wednesday in a Boone County court to 26 years in prison after a jury earlier found him guilty of two mid-level felony counts of rape of two juveniles, online records show.

Damian Hatton also was found guilty of two misdemeanor charges, battery, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Two low-level felony counts of sexual battery against Hatton were vacated. Judge Matthew Kincaid of Boone Superior Court 1 also required Hatton to register as a sexually violent predator for life.

A news release issued Thursday from the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office said the crimes happened during separate incidents in October and December 2024 in Lebanon.

Special Victims Prosecutor Heidi Jennings from Boone County said in a statement in the release, “These victims showed extraordinary strength from the moment they came forward. Their courage, combined with a thorough investigation and strong trial presentation, made this outcome possible.”

In addition to the police investigation, the release said, Sylvia’s Child Advocacy Center also provided forensic interviews for the victims during the process.

Boone County Prosecuting Attorney Kent Eastwood said in a statemen in the release, “When individuals threaten the safety of our children, we will pursue them relentlessly and ensure they are removed from our neighborhoods f...