Executive Summary
- Former EPD officer Ronald Bohannon sentenced to 30 years for child molesting.
- Jury convicted Bohannon in December; judge found no mitigating factors.
- Sentencing factors included abuse of trust and former law enforcement role.
- Bohannon served with the Evansville Police Department from 1970 to 1990.
WARRICK COUNTY, Ind. – Former Evansville Police Department (EPD) officer Ronald Bohannon was sentenced to 30 years in the Indiana Department of Correction on Monday following a conviction for child molesting, according to Warrick County court records.
A jury found Bohannon guilty of the charge on December 19 following a three-day trial. The sentencing hearing, held in Warrick County Court, concluded Monday with the imposition of a 30-year executed sentence. The court also ordered Bohannon to pay $189 in court costs.
During the hearing, the court heard statements from the victim’s family and character witnesses appearing on behalf of the defense. According to court records, the judge cited several aggravating factors in the decision, including the victim’s age and Bohannon’s position of care, custody, and friendship with the victim. The court explicitly noted Bohannon’s former role in law enforcement as a factor, stating there were no mitigating circumstances found.
Court officials confirmed to 44News that Bohannon served as an officer with the Evansville Police Department from 1970 to 1990. During the proceedings, the defense was led by attorney Robert Canada, while Deputy Prosecutor Jacklyn Buente represented the State of Indiana.
Judicial Implications
The imposition of a 30-year sentence without mitigating factors underscores the judicial system’s severe approach toward crimes involving a breach of trust, particularly when committed by individuals with a background in law enforcement. By citing the defendant’s former authority and relationship to the victim as aggravating factors, the court established a clear precedent regarding the abuse of power. Following the sentencing, the court advised Bohannon of his right to appeal the decision within 30 days, a standard provision of due process.
