Sullivan County – Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation on May 17, 2020, after receiving information from Kara Cox of the Sullivan County Department of Child Services, that an eight-month-old baby had been neglected and abused.
The investigation, conducted by Master Trooper Detective Angie Hahn of the Putnamville State Police Post, revealed that a Farmersburg couple had allegedly committed neglect of an eight-month-old baby resulting in injury, and had placed the baby in dangerous situations.
Nancy I. Sperling 
Austin L. Barnard
After reviewing the investigation, Sullivan County Prosecutor Ann Smith-Mischler issued an arrest warrant for Nancy I. Sperling (mother), age 25, of Farmersburg, Indiana, and Austin L. Barnard (boyfriend), age 26, of Farmersburg, Indiana. Both were arrested yesterday afternoon without incident and are being held in the Sullivan County Jail.
Assisting Agency: Sullivan County Department of Child Service.
Arrested and Charges:
Nancy I. Sperling, 25, Farmersburg, IN
- Neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, Level 5 Felony
- Neglect of a dependent placing dependent in situation that endangers the dependent, Level 6 Felony
Austin L. Barnard, 26, Farmersburg, IN
- Neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, Level 5 Felony
- Neglect of a dependent placing a dependent in situation that endangers the dependent, Level 6 Felony
Under the law, criminal charges are merely accusations and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
