Police: Mentally Challenged Woman Abused For Years

MUNCIE, Ind. -- A Muncie couple have been arrested on suspicion of sexually abusing, over a period of 13 years, a mentally challenged woman who was in their care.

Duane and Patricia Tackett were being held in jail Thursday on several charges, including criminal deviate conduct and child solicitation.

Police said the abuse began when the alleged victim was 14 and continued into last month. She is now 27, authorities said.

Duane Tackett's brother told 6News' Cheryl Jackson that other family members had no idea what was going on over the years, but that his mother and sisters told police after the victim confided in them.

"We are just as upset and just as surprised as you are," the brother said. "They are the ones that turned them in when they found out."

Police said they believe Duane raped the woman, and that Patricia was at least a witness to the rape and may have been a participant.

Police said the victim was on birth control.

"What made it so bizarre and … disgusting or sickening was the mental capacity of the victim and that it had gone on so long," said Muncie police Sgt. Linda Cook.

Cook, who investigates sex crimes against children, interviewed the victim.

"It was a pretty difficult interview. She probably had the mental capacity closer to a 5-year-old," Cook said.

Police said the abuse started in Muncie and continued when the couple moved to Kentucky for 11 years. They returned to Muncie and had been back in Indiana for three or four months.

"She (victim) was very embarrassed about the situation. It was hard to obtain information because I was a total stranger to her," Cook said.

Duane Tackett was expected to be charged Friday with sexual misconduct with a minor, criminal deviate conduct and child solicitation.

Patricia Tackett was expected to be charged with sexual misconduct with a minor. Both may also be charged with rape, police said.