Sheriff's officer takes rank reduction

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - A Tippecanoe County Sheriff's officer who faced criminal charges in a domestic dispute has resigned from his officer's position on the department.

38-year-old Travis Dowell had been accused of battery after an altercation in February with his 18-year-old daughter.

Dowell entered a diversion agreement with prosecutors allowing the criminal charge to be dropped if he maintains lawful behavior for one year and pays a $268 fine. 

When he was originally charged, Dowell was a probationary Lieutenant on the Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department. He voluntarily took a reduction in rank to Sergeant after the incident.

Sheriff Tracy Brown said after Dowell entered the diversion agreement, Dowell again voluntarily took a reduction in rank to deputy.  

"His career in management on the department is over," Sheriff Brown said.