Families Angry After Molester Avoids Prison Time

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. -- A plea deal agreed upon Thursday means the son of the Tipton County coroner will not serve time in prison for molesting two children.

Aaron Nichols -- now 21 -- pleaded guilty Thursday to molesting two children -- one in Hamilton County and one in Tipton County -- two and a half years ago, 6News' Jennifer Carmack reported.

Under the deal, Nichols was sentenced to eight years probation and will have to register as a sex offender for 10 years.

The victims' family and friends gathered at the courthouse Thursday, some protesting what they called special treatment. Nichols' father is the Tipton County coroner and his uncle is a councilor in the county.

"This is a complete injustice," said Denise Spooner, a friend of one of the victims. "This is a slap in the face to families and children."

During the sentencing, Nichols sobbed as he apologized to his victims, Carmack reported.

Nichols was ordered to remain in counseling during his probation. He had no prior criminal history.