Stephen J. Bush was sentenced today to 178 years in the Indiana Department of Correction—the maximum sentence allowed by law.
News release from the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office:
Stephen Bush Sentenced to 178 Years
Fort Wayne, Indiana (September 9, 2026) – Stephen Bush was sentenced today to 178 years in the Indiana Department of Correction—the maximum sentence allowed by law.
Bush was found guilty by a jury on August 13, 2026, of four counts of Child Molesting, Level 1 felonies, and two counts of Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 felony and a Level 5 felony.
The Court sentenced Bush to an aggregate sentence of 178 years.
Deputy Prosecutors Tracy Heltz Noetzel and Emily Snyder represented the State of Indiana throughout the pendency of the case, trial, and sentencing.
Deputy Prosecutor Noetzel expressed her gratitude for the dedicated work of the Fort Wayne Police Department’s victim advocates, officers, and detectives; the Indiana Department of Child Services; the Dr. Bill Lewis Center for Children; the Fort Wayne Sexual Assault Treatment Center; and the attorneys and staff of the Allen County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
“This outcome was made possible most importantly by the courage of the victim, who came forward after enduring nearly eight years of abuse,” Noetzel said. “We are grateful for the strength and courage it took to come forward and for the many professionals who supported the victim and helped bring this case to justice.”
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