Deputy enters diversion agreement

LAFAYETTE, Ind (WLFI) - An officer with the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department entered a diversion agreement. The deal means a Battery charge will be dropped against Travis Dowell if he complies with all terms of the agreement filed in Tippecanoe Superior Court 5.

Dowell was charged with Battery after an altercation with his 18-year-old daughter at his home in Clarks Hill in February 2009.

The diversion agreement calls for Dowell to pay $268 within 60 days. For the next year, Dowell must maintain good and lawful behavior. He must pay restitution to the victim. He cannot illegally use or possess controlled substances, waive his 4th Amendment Rights to search and seizure, and cannot threaten, harass, intimidate, or physically abuse the victim. In addition, Dowell must contact all service providers within one week, complete all terms and show proof as required.

Special Prosecutor Robert Ives said if Dowell stays out of trouble for one year, the battery charge will be dismissed. If Dowell would violate terms of the agreement, the state would reset the case for trial.

"This diversion agreement is being done with the consent and request of the victim," said Ives.

Tippecanoe County Sheriff Tracy Brown said he will review the diversion agreement. He plans to meet with Dowell and announce his decision on Dowell's job status on Monday. Dowell voluntarily resigned from the rank of Lieutenant after the incident. He was placed on administrative duty when the criminal charges were filed.  Sheriff Brown said Dowell is in a position where he is not directly involved in law enforcement activity.