Salem man bonds at $2 million

Jeffrey Mauck, 53, has been released on a $2 million full-cash bond after being accused of attempting to kidnap a young girl in Salem, Indiana. The Washington County Sheriff’s Department filed six charges against him, including attempted kidnapping and driving while intoxicated. The incident occurred Friday afternoon on a quiet country road in Amish land.

According to probable cause documents, Mauck approached a girl outside her home to ask if her family sold eggs. The girl told police she answered no and walked away. Sheriff’s officials stated that Mauck then grabbed the child and held a gun to her to force her into his vehicle. The family heard the girl scream and rushed to intervene.

The girl’s father and his sons restrained Mauck while waiting for law enforcement to arrive. One responding officer found black handcuffs on the ground beneath Mauck and noted a strong smell of alcohol. Court records indicate Mauck admitted to drinking, and a chemical test showed a blood alcohol concentration of .292.

Mauck’s sister, Anna Hall, disputes the severity of the incident. She described the event as a huge misunderstanding of events. Hall stated that the behavior described in the report is out of character for her brother. She noted that Mauck has a tattoo of a blue bear because that is who he is and that he is not aggressive.

The sheriff’s department called the incident extremely disturbing in a statement. The statement expressed gratitude that the young girl was able to get away and that her family acted quickly. The department warned that anyone who attempts to harm or abduct a child in Washington County will face the full force of law enforcement.

Hall said she believes it will be hard for the public to accept the official version once the truth emerges. She hopes the judge will not impose serious consequences for a crime she claims her brother did not commit. Mauck appeared in court Monday afternoon, where his bond was set.

The next court date is scheduled for a future hearing in Washington County. Mauck remains in the custody of the jail until the bond is posted in full. The case is currently active in the Washington County circuit court.