Sept. 10, 2026

Indiana Court of Appeals

David Charles v. State of Indiana  
No. 26A-CR-102  

Appeal from Elkhart Superior Court, Judge Teresa L. Cataldo. David Charles was convicted of ten counts of Class C felony child molestation involving two victims over several years. He challenged the sufficiency of evidence regarding intent to arouse his sexual desires when abusing one of the victims. The court affirmed the trial court’s judgment, finding sufficient evidence, including testimony regarding the nature of the abuse and circumstances surrounding Charles’s actions. Judge Bradford authored the opinion, with Chief Judge Tavitas and Judge Felix concurring.  Attorney for the appellant: Marielena Duerring, South Bend. Attorneys for the appellee: Office of the Indiana Attorney General.

Indiana Court of Appeals

Robert Lee Chapman, et al. v. Nationwide Mutual Fire Insurance Company 

No. 26A-PL-743 

Appeal from LaPorte Superior Court, Judge Richard R. Stalbrink Jr. The court affirmed in part, reversed in part, and remanded the trial court’s entry of summary judgment in favor of Nationwide. The Chapmans alleged breach of contract and breach of the duty of good faith arising from the handling of their insurance claim after a large tree fell on their house. Key issues included whether payment obligations under the Dwelling Replacement Cost Endorsement were contingent on repair completion and whether Nationwide breached its duty by delaying payments. The court found that genuine issues of material fact remained, especially concerning the actual cash value payment and the deadline for repairs under the endorsement. Judge Brown authored the opinion, with Judges Bailey and Weissmann concurring. Attorney for appellants: William D. Beyers, Buchanan & Bruggenschmidt, P.C., Zionsville. Attorney for appellee: Jeffrey P. McSherry, Bricker Graydon Wyatt LLP, Cincinnati.  

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