Nathaniel Phebus, a 38-year-old resident of Portage, has been sentenced to probation and is required to register as a sex offender after admitting guilt to a felony count of sexual battery. This resolution was reached in Porter Superior Court under Judge Jeffrey Clymer. Jesse Harper represented Phebus. As part of the plea agreement, the more severe rape charge was dismissed. Judge Clymer issued a sentence of 910 days imprisonment for Phebus. However, accounting for 39 days already served, the remainder was suspended, and Phebus will serve it as formal probation.
The complainant reported that while initial interactions with Phebus were innocuous, they later became explicitly sexual. Her recollection of events was partially obscured due to alcohol consumption, but she firmly asserted non-consent. Subsequent to the incident, the victim experienced physical symptoms, leading her to believe she had been assaulted. Phebus, when confronted by law enforcement, admitted to overstepping boundaries. Furthermore, in a telephonic conversation with the victim, he expressed regret for his actions. In addition to the probation and mandatory registration as a sex offender, Phebus is obliged to participate in a sex offender assessment, undertake treatment, and submit to HIV testing.
Source: Rape charge dropped, Portage man gets probation in 2022 case (nwitimes.com)