Switz. Co. Man Convicted of Rape Sentenced to 40 Years

Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 12:58 PM

By Travis Thayer @eagle993

The case dates back to 2011.

Craig Long. File photo.

(Jefferson County, Ind.) - A Switzerland County man convicted of rape has been sentenced.

On Wednesday, Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter announced that Craig Long has been sentenced to 40 years at the Indiana Department of Correction.

The case dates back to July 2, 2011, when Long entered a home near Deputy, Indiana, during the early morning hours, where he battered and sexually assaulted an 86-year-old woman before fleeing the scene.

Despite an extensive investigation by the Indiana State Police-Versailles District and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect remained unidentified for over a decade.

Breakthroughs in familial DNA investigative techniques in late 2024 provided the key to solving the case. Indiana State Police Laboratory personnel identified a potential family member of the suspect based upon a familial DNA search that was conducted through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). The search ultimately led investigators to identify Craig Long as the primary suspect. A search warrant was obtained, and Long’s DNA was matched to evidence collected in the original investigation. On January 15, 2025, he was arrested and later held on a $500,000 bond.

Based upon the strength of the evidence, a maximum sentence was able to be secured. The victim, now 100 years old, was spared the trauma of reliving the horrific events at a trial. Her resilience, strength, and determination for justice serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of violent crimes and the importance of holding offenders accountable.

“This conviction is a testament to the commitment of law enforcement to pursue justice, no matter how much time has passed,” said Prosecutor David Sutter. “Without the dedication of our investigators, forensic scientists, and supporting agencies, this case may have never been solved. We remain steadfast in our mission to seek justice for victims and ensure dangerous offenders are held accountable.”