Ex-Gregg Township, IN, Deputy Fire Chief Accused of Recording Women in Station's Shower, Bunkroom

A former Morgan County deputy fire chief, accused of hiding cameras in a fire station and other places to record women, has been arrested on dozens of charges.

Ex-Gregg Township Deputy Fire Chief Charles Heflin, 57, and his girlfriend were charged following a six-month investigation by the Morgan County Sheriff's Department. 

"There are at least 10 alleged victims. The investigation is large in scale. A lot of that has to do with electronic data. There are video clips, photographs, communications that allege criminal conduct." Morgan County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Cassie Mellady told WTHR.

Among the places where Heflin allegedly placed hidden cameras include  detectives undercovered include:

• The shower room of a fire station, capturing multiple women who were naked or changing clothes at the time, including a 17-year-old
• A bathroom inside a fire station, showing multiple women who were naked
• Bunk rooms inside a fire station, showing multiple women
• A child in their room while living in a home with Heflin and his girlfriend

One of the victims told officers that fire department officials tried to convince her to retract what she said Heflin did.

Another woman said Heflin came into the room she was staying in at the fire station and touched her breasts, believing she was sleeping.

Other alleged victims were minors who were recorded in their homes, according to reports.

Officers also determined that Heflin's girlfriend, Angela VanMatre, allegedly helped him watch on at least two victims.

The two texted about the best angles for hidden cameras, charging documents revealed. 

Heflin was arrested on 46 counts of voyeurism, eight counts of possession of child sex abuse material and a charge of child exploitation, resisting law enforcement and unlawful carrying of a handgun for actions while officers were executing an arrest warrant.

A judge revoked bond on a pending misdemeanor case and set bail at $250,000, plus $50,000 cash, reports indicated.

VanMatre was charged with conspiracy to commit child exploitation, conspiracy to commit voyeurism, voyeurism and two counts of aiding, inducing or causing voyeurism. Bail was set at $10,000.

The new administration at Gregg Township Fire Department offered an apology to the victims.

"It's absolutely disgusting and unacceptable. At a fire station, a place where somebody's supposed to be safe! I can't imagine what these young ladies went through. The only thing we can do is be there for them," Deputy Fire Chief Thomas McKinney said.

"We feel for these ladies. We would do anything for them. And, to the public, we hear you. The only thing we can do is apologize for the actions. Know that this is a new administration and we're going to do better."