TERRE HAUTE (IN)
WTHI-TV [Terre Haute, IN]
September 1, 2026
By Chris Essex
The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement addressing the arrest of Daniel Willis, a Terre Haute pastor accused of possessing child sexual abuse material, following inquiries about his past ties to the agency.
Willis, 62, of Terre Haute, was arrested Monday and charged with 10 counts of possession of child sex abuse material (underage of 12/bondage), Level 4 felonies, according to Indiana State Police.
Investigation and arrest
Indiana State Police said the investigation began in early 2026 after investigators received tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and a second company that was not named.
Indiana State Police, with assistance from local and federal agencies, served a search warrant at Willis’ home and at the church where he serves as senior pastor, according to police. Indiana State Police identified Willis as a pastor but did not name the church he is connected to. It is unclear whether Willis remains employed by or connected to the church.
Willis was arrested without incident and transported to the Vigo County Jail.
Sheriff’s office statement
On Tuesday, Vigo County Sheriff Derek Fell said Willis previously served as the sheriff’s office chaplain in a volunteer capacity years ago. Fell said Willis was brought onto the sheriff’s office under a previous administration.
Fell said when Sheriff John Plasse was elected to head the office in 2018, Plasse dismissed Willis from serving in any capacity with the agency. Fell said Willis has been separated from the sheriff’s office for nearly eight years.
Fell praised the investigative efforts of Indiana State Police, the Terre Haute Police Department and the ICAC unit in the case.
The full statement from Sheriff Derek Fell:
“Our office is aware of the recent arrest of Dan Willis (out of Terre Haute), as he currently sits in our jail facility. There have been inquiries as to his past involvement with our agency. Willis was brought onto the Sheriffs Office under a previous Sheriff’s administration in a volunteer capacity to serve as agency chaplain.
Upon Sheriff Plasse’s nomination to become Sheriff in 2018, he made the decision to dismiss Willis serving in any capacity with our agency. Willis has been separated from our office for nearly eight years.
We applaud the investigative efforts of those involved (Indiana State Police, Terre Haute Police Department, ICAC unit) in bringing this case to the point it stands currently. We will continue to standby, support, and actively search for and apprehend those who prey upon our children – regardless of who they are, where they are employed or have been employed. Crimes against children have no place in our society.”
— Derek Fell, Sheriff