GREENFIELD — A convicted child molester was arrested Monday amid accusations he inappropriately touched a young boy in late February in the men’s restroom at Walmart in Greenfield.
David A. Paterson, 27, of Indianapolis, faces a felony charge of child molesting after the 7-year-old came forward, telling his mother and authorities Paterson touched him while they were alone in the bathroom.
Paterson is a registered sex offender, after having been convicted of child molesting in 2009, and there is no indication that Paterson knew the victim, police said.
According to court documents, Paterson was shopping at the store prior to the alleged incident and was already in the restroom when the boy entered. He left the store immediately afterward.
Deputies with the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department used store security footage in their investigation and were able to identify Paterson because of his prior conviction. A warrant was issued for his arrest in early March.
He appeared in court for an initial hearing Tuesday morning. He is charged with child molesting as a Level 4 felony, which carries a penalty of two to 12 years and up to $10,000 in fines.
He was released from the Hancock County Jail on $5,000 cash bond, court records state.