The Lead Off A Marion man is accused of child molestation dating back decades and has reportedly admitted to multiple victims, court documents say. The suspect was arrested after contacting police and speaking with investigators about the allegations. Authorities say the investigation now includes potential additional victims dating back to the 1970s. MARION, IND. (WOWO) A Grant County man is facing child molestation charges after investigators say he admitted to abuse involving multiple victims spanning several decades, according to court documents. Leland Smith Sr., 72, of Marion, was charged last week with two felony counts of child molestation and is being held in the Grant County Jail without bond pending his initial court appearance according to CBS-4. Investigation began after suspect contacted police According to court documents, Marion police first became aware of Smith on June 17 when he contacted the department and requested to speak with investigators regarding child molestation allegations. “Evidently Leland got word of the allegation and decided he wanted to speak with investigators,” court documents state. Officials said Marion police then requested Indiana State Police take over the investigation to avoid a potential conflict of interest. Allegations involve juvenile victim Court records state that a 10-year-old victim reported Smith exposed himself and sexually assaulted her in late July 2025 at a residence in Grant County. Investigators said Smith later admitted to the allegation when questioned by state police. According to court documents, Smith also allegedly told the victim she would get in trouble if she disclosed the abuse. Additional alleged victims under review During the investigation, Smith reportedly admitted to additional abuse involving at least three other child victims dating back to the 1970s, according to court filings. Authorities said those admissions are now part of an expanded investigation as detectives work to identify and review additional potential victims. Statement attributed to suspect Court documents also state Smith made a comment regarding potential punishment for the allegations. “Leland said an appropriate punishment for the acts he committed would be to be put in front of a ‘firing line’,” court documents read. Charges and custody status Smith was arrested the same day investigators spoke with him and was formally charged the following day in Grant Circuit Court. He remains in custody without bond and is scheduled for an initial hearing Tuesday before Judge Nathan Meeks. Possible penalties If convicted on the current charges, Smith could face up to 52 years in prison and up to $20,000 in fines, depending on sentencing under Indiana law. Next steps The case remains under investigation as Indiana State Police continue reviewing Smith’s statements and working to identify any additional victims connected to the allegations dating back several decades. The post Indiana man held without bond after alleged abuse spanning back to 1970s, documents allege appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less