Switz. Co. man receives max sentence for raping 86-year-old in 2011

Case went unsolved for 14 years

(MADISON, Ind.) – A Switzerland County man recently convicted of a 2011 rape has been sentenced to 40 years in prison. 

37-year-old Craig Long was accused of breaking into a home in Deputy, Indiana and raping an 86-year-old woman 14 years ago.

The case went unsolved for several years until Indiana State Police used breakthroughs in DNA technology to link a potential family member to the suspect. 

Prosecutors say that DNA identified Long as a primary suspect and they said his DNA matched evidence that was found at the scene in 2011. 

The victim is now 100-years-old and Jefferson County Prosecutor David Sutter commended her resilience and strength during the case. 

“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.”

Sutter added that the strength of evidence led to a maximum sentence.