A Batesville postmaster is being held on a $150,000 bond after a judge found probable cause to charge him with multiple felony counts involving sexually explicit material and a minor.
Court records show Raymond Lloyd Freeman Jr., 49, of Batesville, faces nine counts of pandering or possessing visual or print medium depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child, a Class C felony. The charges stem from an investigation initiated after a mandated reporter contacted the Batesville Police Department on October 30 regarding inappropriate online communications with a girl under the age of 16.
According to an affidavit, investigators received two USB drives and an envelope containing images allegedly involving Freeman and the minor. Freeman later agreed to an interview with police on November 13 after being advised of his rights.
During the interview, Freeman told investigators he had served as postmaster in Batesville for approximately 13 years. He acknowledged sending nude images of himself to the minor, though he claimed he sent only a small number. Investigators allege a search warrant revealed 32 images, some reportedly taken inside a post office, a post office restroom, and a mail truck.
Freeman is currently being held at the Independence County Detention Center while awaiting his next court appearance. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional court proceedings are expected.
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