Muncie reserve officer accused of rape, human trafficking in Fishers

Douglas Walker | dwalker@muncie.gannett.com

MUNCIE — A longtime reserve officer with the Muncie Police Department was arrested Saturday in Fishers on rape and human trafficking charges.

Lonny Jordan Hatland, 42, on Saturday was also relieved of his volunteer duties with the MPD, Chief Steve Stewart said. He had served as a city reserve officer since 1994.

According to a release from the Fishers Police Department, the Department of Child Services contacted officers about “a juvenile suffering from various injuries.”

The alleged victim told authorities that she had been physically and sexually abused in a home in Fishers. She also said the homeowner, identified as Hatland, had “coerced her into having non-consensual sexual encounters with other men.”

On Saturday morning, Fishers police served a warrant at Hatland’s home, and “discovered the suspect was an active reserve officer with the Muncie Police Department.”

After speaking with detectives, Hatland was arrested and taken to the Hamilton County jail, where he is being held on preliminary charges of rape, human trafficking and battery. His bond was set at $52,500.

Stewart said to retain their active status, his department’s reserve officers are required to work at least 16 hours a month. Most of that volunteer work consists of traffic patrol duties.

The chief said he was unaware of any complaints about Hatland’s work as a reserve officer.

Court records reflect no prior charges or convictions for the Fishers man. He is listed as a participant — as a police officer — in a dozen Muncie City Court cases filed since 2010. Only one of those misdemeanor cases is still pending.

Call Muncie Star Press reporter Douglas Walker at (765) 213-5851. Follow him on Twitter: @DouglasWalkerSP.