Martin County, Ind. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office initiated a criminal investigation in May of 2025 after receiving information that Patrick Cox, 24, of Washington Indiana, and Neveah Brown 18, of Loogootee Indiana, allegedly molested a child.

Martin County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Ryan Hawkins and Shoals Town Marshall Matthew Copeland initiated the investigation after receiving an anonymous tip. Multiple interviews were conducted including interviews with Brown and Cox where Cox ultimately confessed to a number of crimes. Search warrants were requested through the Martin County Prosecutor’s Office for cell phones belonging to Cox and Brown and was granted by Honorable Judge Wright-Ryan. During a search of Cox’s phone several images of suspected child pornography were located along with evidence of additional crimes and victims along with another suspect of a separate crime.

Sergeant Hawkins submitted probable cause affidavits to the Martin County Prosecutors Office and arrest warrants were issued for Cox and Brown.

While searching the cell phone belonging to Cox, Sergeant Hawkins located further evidence and communication with Marie Austin, 28, of Sullivan, Indiana. Sergeant Hawkins completed a report of the results and sent it to detectives with the Indiana State Police – Putnamville District. ISP Detectives filed charges and arrested Marie Austin, and recommended the Federal Bureau of Investigations investigate the case further.

On October 8, 2025 the US Marshalls transported Patrick Cox and Marie Austin to federal prison to await trial on federal charges.

CHARGES:

Patrick Charles Cox

State Charges:

Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony

Conspiracy to commit Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony

Rape (X3) – Level 3 Felony

Conspiracy to commit Rape – Level 3 Felony

Promotion of Sexual Trafficking of a Younger Child – Level 3 Felony

Vicarious Sexual Gratification – Level 3 Felony

Child Exploitation; Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material (X19) – Level 4 Felony

Sexual Misconduct with a Minor – Level 4 Felony

Child Solicitation – Level 4 Felony

Sexual Battery – Level 6 Felony

Failure to register as a sex offender – Level 6 Felony

Federal Charges:

Conspiracy to commit Sexual Exploitation of a minor

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (X3)

Possession of Child Pornography

Penalties for Registered Sex Offender

Neveah Brown

State Charges:

Aiding in Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony

Conspiracy to Commit Child Molesting – Level 1 Felony

Aiding in Rape – Level 3 Felony

Conspiracy to Commit Rape – Level 3 Felony

Aiding in Vicarious Sexual Gratification – Level 3 Felony

Promotion of Sexual Trafficking of a Younger Child – Level 3 Felony

Aiding in Sexual Misconduct with a Minor – Level 4 Felony

Aiding in Child Solicitation – Level 4 Felony

Criminal Confinement – Level 5 Felony

Aiding in Sexual Battery – Level 6 Felony

Obstruction of Justice – Level 6 Felony

Marie Dawn Austin

State Charges:

Child Exploitation (X2)

Federal Charges:

Conspiracy to commit Sexual Exploitation of a minor

Sexual Exploitation of a Minor (X3)

Distribution of Child Pornography

This is an ongoing joint investigation with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the Indiana State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigations. We suspect to file more charges on additional suspects as it relates to this case as the investigation proceeds. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the tipster for making the communities a safer place and making a difference. We would also like to remind everyone that anonymous tips can be made on the Martin County Sheriff’s App and will be investigated by our deputies and or sent to appropriate agencies.