Derek Corbran

Derek Lee Corbran, 22, 518 N. Franklin St., Mentone, appeared for his initial hearing in Wabash County Circuit Court at 11 a.m. this morning. He has been charged with two counts of child molesting, one a class A felony, the other a class C felony.

Between March 16, 2014 and June 30, 2014, Corbran allegedly performed or submitted to fondling or touching a child or himself with intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of either the child or himself. The child was 10-years old at the time. He is also charged with forcing a 17-year-old to have oral sex.

The charges were filed on April 28, 2014.

North Manchester Police were notified on Aug. 10, 2014, that a 10-year-old female had told a relative she had been touched inappropriately by Corbran. When questioned by police, the 10-year-old told police she had been touched around her pelvic area and chest, as well as having him penetrate her with his finger. The first time the alleged molestation took place was at a mobile home park in Kosciusko County the previous summer. The other alleged acts took place within the limits of North Manchester.

The young female told authorities what had occurred stating it had happened over 10 times.

The second instance involved a female, over the age of 14 but under the age of 18, who allegedly has a mental disability. She alleged on at least three occasions he forced her to perform oral sex on him. She also alleged that he hit her with a steel toed shoe in the leg.

Police interviewed Corbran on Aug. 21, 2014, in the Huntington County Jail regarding the two allegations. He denied any sexual interactions with the 17-year-old, who was now 18. Corbran claimed she would come on to him, act inappropriately around him, and she would try to get him alone, asking if they could do things and offering to do things.

Corbran also denied inappropriately touching the 10-year-old.

Corbran admitted to police he had been living in numerous locations for short periods of time with whomever would take him in. He had also been incarcerated on unrelated charges in several different counties.