SOUTH BEND – A former LaPorte County sheriff’s deputy is out of jail, but will go to trial for federal child porn and evidence tampering charges. David J. Oldham, 42, appeared before a judge in federal court Tuesday afternoon.
He was indicted and arrested last week after a federal investigation. At Tuesday’s arraignment, Oldham pleaded not guilty to the federal charges. The judge also allowed him to be released from jail, but Oldham must stay in Northern Indiana, he cannot have any guns, he must undergo mental health treatment counseling, and he is not allowed to use a computer.
After court, Oldham’s attorney Brian Truitt told WSBT “We believe he’ll be fully vindicated once all the facts are known. I have to get critical information to the U.S. Attorney. We believe we have proof that these charges are baseless.”
The federal charges are separate from charges filed against Oldham in LaPorte County. That investigation began June 13 when state police say Oldham’s wife expressed concern about his relationship with a 12-year-old boy living in their neighborhood. Court documents say that relationship included the boy spending the night at Oldham's home, sleeping together in the same bed and taking the boy for rides in his patrol vehicle while he was working the midnight shift.
