Indiana § 35-42-4-5 - Vicarious sexual gratification; sexual conduct in presence of a minor

Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 35-42-4-5 — Vicarious sexual gratification; sexual conduct in presence of a minor, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 35-42-4-5. Vicarious sexual gratification; sexual conduct in presence of a minor

Sec. 5. (a) A person eighteen (18) years of age or older who knowingly or intentionally directs, aids, induces, or causes a child under the age of sixteen (16) to touch or fondle himself or herself or another child under the age of sixteen (16) with intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of a child or the older person commits vicarious sexual gratification, a Level 5 felony. However, the offense is:

(1) a Level 4 felony if a child involved in the offense is under the age of fourteen (14); and

(2) a Level 3 felony if:

(A) the offense is committed by using or threatening the use of deadly force or while armed with a deadly weapon;

(B) the commission of the offense is facilitated by furnishing the victim, without the victim's knowledge, with a drug (as defined in IC 16-42-19-2(1)) or a controlled substance (as defined in IC 35-48-1.1-7) or knowing that the victim was furnished with the drug or controlled substance without the victim's knowledge; or

(C) the commission of the offense results in serious bodily injury.

(b) A person eighteen (18) years of age or older who knowingly or intentionally directs, aids, induces, or causes a child under the age of sixteen (16) to:

(1) engage in sexual intercourse with another child under sixteen (16) years of age;

(2) engage in sexual conduct with an animal other than a human being; or

(3) engage in other sexual conduct (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-221.5) with another person;

with intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of a child or the older person commits vicarious sexual gratification, a Level 4 felony. However, the offense is a Level 3 felony if any child involved in the offense is less than fourteen (14) years of age, and the offense is a Level 2 felony if the offense is committed by using or threatening the use of deadly force, if the offense is committed while armed with a deadly weapon, if the offense results in serious bodily injury, or if the commission of the offense is facilitated by furnishing the victim, without the victim's knowledge, with a drug (as defined in IC 16-42-19-2(1)) or a controlled substance (as defined in IC 35-48-1.1-7) or knowing that the victim was furnished with the drug or controlled substance without the victim's knowledge.

(c) A person eighteen (18) years of age or older who knowingly or intentionally:

(1) engages in sexual intercourse;

(2) engages in other sexual conduct (as defined in IC 35-31.5-2-221.5); or

(3) touches or fondles the person's own body;

in the presence of a child less than fourteen (14) years of age with the intent to arouse or satisfy the sexual desires of the child or the older person commits performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor, a Level 6 felony.

As added by P.L.183-1984, SEC.4. Amended by P.L.79-1994, SEC.13; P.L.31-1998, SEC.6; P.L.118-2002, SEC.1; P.L.123-2003, SEC.1; P.L.158-2013, SEC.441; P.L.186-2025, SEC.236.

Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 35-42-4-5

What does Indiana Code § 35-42-4-5 cover?

Section 35-42-4-5 ("Vicarious sexual gratification; sexual conduct in presence of a minor") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Indiana § 35-42-4-5?

A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 35-42-4-5" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Indiana law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.

How does Indiana § 35-42-4-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.