Juvenile Fight Ring Promoters Charged

Investigators say a juvenile fight ring has been occurring in the Sunman area.

Damien Foster and Nolan Roberts. Photos provided.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - Charges have been filed against Nolan Robert and Damien Foster for allegedly promoting a juvenile fight ring. 

The Dearborn County Sheriff's Department received a tip on October 23 from the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. The tip alleged that an 8th grader at East Central Middle School was participating in fights that were occurring in the Sunman area. 

In addition to the tip, the Indiana Gaming Commission received a complaint from a concerned citizen on October 24 about a "fight club" with juveniles actively participating in fights. The IGC reviewed eight videos that were captured from YouTube and observed young people, some believed to be under the age of 18, as well as adults, who were participating in fighting matches. 

During an interview, a 14-year-old student at East Central Middle School informed the IGC that he was in one of the videos. He added that the fight took place on October 18 in Dearborn County and that he was injured from the boxing match. 

Investigators say the fights took place in the area of Schwipps and Chalk Road. After driving by the area, investigators say a metal cage seen in the videos was still present in a field. 

Roberts, of Cincinnati, and Foster, of Aurora, were identified through video review as the individuals who were allegedly involving in conducting these boxes matches and/or promoting them. They are charged with Failure to Obtain a Gaming License. 

“The videos online that capture these alleged crimes are very disturbing to say the least. They show young people, some of whom appear to be juveniles, engaging in brawls, sometimes with adults. At least one participant was a 14-year-old child,” said Prosecutor Lynn Deddens

“Unfortunately, according to the law, these crimes are only Class B Misdemeanors and will remain that way until the Indiana Legislature addresses the issue of unlicensed fights involving children,” Deddens said. “Until such time, we will use the tools we do have to prosecute individuals involved in events of this nature to the fullest extent allowed by law.”

Both Roberts and Foster have received their initial hearings. Bond was set at $5,000 cash. Pre-trial is set for December 4.