CARMEL, Ind. — The Carmel Police Department accepted an officer's resignation while he faces charges in Clay County.
According to a spokesperson with the department, Andrew Longyear submitted his resignation Thursday, Aug. 18, effective immediately.
Police said Longyear started working with the department in June 2021 and previously worked for the Clay County Sheriff's Department.
On Wednesday, Aug. 17, Indiana State Police contacted Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow to let him know charges were going to be filed against Longyear as a result of an investigation.
According to court records, Longyear is facing charges out of Clay County for identity deception and conversion.
In court documents, Longyear is accused of using the images from a Georgia man's Facebook page, along with a similar name of the man, to post remarks on the Brazil Chatter page. Those remarks were targeted at hurting the Clay County prosecutor and her husband, who is a candidate for sheriff.
Court documents allege Longyear admitted to investigators that he created the Facebook page to comment anonymously. Longyear allegedly said his disparaging posts were based on opinions of what he believed were facts the public should know.
Carmel Police Deputy Chief Joe Bickel resigned Wednesday following allegations of inappropriate behavior involving several employees.
Just four weeks ago, Police Chief Jeff Horner removed Bickel from his position and recommended to the Carmel Police Merit Board that Bickel be dismissed from the department.
State of Indiana Police Merit Law requires that Bickel retain his position with the department and his merit rank until a decision is made by the Carmel Police Merit Board.
The allegations against Bickel include the following claims:
- Groping a female employee's breast
- Attempting to forcibly kiss a different female employee
- Kissing the hand and neck of another female employee at a work-related event
- Using his position of authority within the department to influence an employee to violate a departmental standard operating procedure for the benefit of a family member.
On July 25, Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard accepted Horner's resignation as police chief.
Brainard appointed retired Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow to serve as interim police chief until a permanent replacement is chosen.
Horner will remain on the department as a Lieutenant.