Boone County court sentences 24-year-old Indianapolis man to 26 years after rape and battery convictions

Sentencing follows multiple felony convictions in Boone County

A 24-year-old Indianapolis man has been sentenced to 26 years in prison in a Boone County case involving convictions for rape, sexual battery, battery, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The sentence was announced March 5, 2026.

The defendant, Damian Hatton, was convicted earlier this year on two counts of rape and two counts of sexual battery. He was also convicted of one count of battery and one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The combined convictions resulted in a prison term totaling 26 years.

What the convictions establish

In Indiana, rape and sexual battery are distinct offenses that generally reflect different forms of non-consensual sexual conduct under state law. Charging decisions and the number of counts can reflect how prosecutors interpret separate acts, separate victims, or separate timeframes, though case-specific details are typically determined through court evidence and rulings.

The additional convictions for battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor indicate the case extended beyond sexual-offense counts alone, encompassing physical harm and conduct involving a minor that the court determined met the elements of those crimes.

• Defendant: Damian Hatton, 24, of Indianapolis
• Sentence: 26 years
• Convictions: two counts of rape; two counts of sexual battery; one count of battery; one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor
• Announcement date: March 5, 2026

How sentencing typically works in felony cases

Indiana sentencing outcomes in multi-count cases often depend on whether terms are ordered to run concurrently (at the same time) or consecutively (stacked). A total sentence of 26 years can reflect the court’s decision on that structure, along with statutory sentencing ranges and any aggravating or mitigating factors presented during sentencing.

In many felony cases, courts also consider the defendant’s criminal history, the severity of harm, and protections for the public when determining a final sentence. The final judgment and abstract of conviction are typically the controlling documents for the sentence imposed and how it is executed by the Indiana Department of Correction.

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, resources for confidential support and reporting are available locally and through national hotlines.

What happens next

Following sentencing, defendants in felony cases may pursue an appeal within required timelines, challenging issues such as trial rulings, sufficiency of evidence, or sentencing decisions. Separately, victims may continue to seek support services, including counseling and advocacy resources, as cases move from court proceedings into post-sentencing phases.

Further case details, including court filings and any appellate activity, are expected to determine the next procedural steps.