Lisa Trigg
The Tribune-Star
SPENCER —
An Owen County man employed as a horse trail guide has been criminally charged with performing a sex act in front of a child at McCormick’s Creek State Park near Spencer.
Charles William “Chip” May, 19, of Spencer, was arrested Monday following a four-month investigation by Indiana Conservation Officer Dale Clark, who received a complaint in October from the parents of a pre-teen girl who had been on a horse ride at the park.
May appeared in Owen Circuit Court on Tuesday, where an Aug. 8 trial date was set on charges of performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor, a class-D felony, along with the misdemeanor charges of public indecency and public nudity.
Clark reported that May allegedly exposed himself more than once to the girl while on the trail. May was employed by his father, Rich May, who has contracts with several state park properties, including McCormick’s Creek, Turkey Run, Shakamak and Lieber State Recreation Area.
May’s primary position was to guide trail rides at McCormick’s Creek; however, he could have worked at any of the state parks where his father has a contract.
Anyone with information about similar criminal incidents that might have allegedly occurred at those properties in Owen, Parke, Greene or Putnam counties is asked to call (812) 837-9536 to speak to Clark.
May has been prohibited from being on any property owned or leased by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources since the investigation began.
During Tuesday’s hearing, Judge Frank Nardi set May’s bail at $10,000, with 10 percent allowed. May posted $1,000 cash on Tuesday and was released from the Owen County Jail.
Another hearing in the case is set for May 17.
Lisa Trigg can be reached at (812) 231-4254 or lisa.trigg@tribstar.com.
