New Albany police sergeant facing felony charges makes 1st court appearance after arrest

NEW ALBANY, Ind. (WDRB) -- New details are emerging after a New Albany police sergeant was arrested earlier this week on felony charges related to stalking.

Sgt. Chad Armenta, who has been with the New Albany Police Department for 18 years, is facing several charges, including two counts of felony official misconduct, stalking, criminal trespass, interference with the reporting of a crime and harassment after his arrest May 22.

According to Indiana State Police, the investigation started in April after a New Albany resident alleged that Armenta showed up at her home — while he was off duty and in an unofficial capacity — but refused to leave after being repeatedly asked.

"I want to reiterate that these allegations center around the misuse of official police powers on personal issues by one person," Floyd County Prosecutor Chris Lane said. "That's where these allegations center."

According to ISP, the investigation included interviews and a review of recorded phone conversations.

Armenta is also accused of using his official position to interfere with an investigation after the alleged victim "placed a call reporting his actions to the New Albany Police Department."

According to documents, during one of the times Armenta is accused of showing up at the alleged victim's house uninvited, the woman called police saying Armenta refused to leave. Police came to the house. But documents from the investigation claim Armenta called police and told the dispatcher to have them "signal 9." Documents state that is police code for "disregard."

Documents do not identify the alleged victim by name but make clear the two know each other.

"It appeared to be a personal issue that the officer had in a possible prior relationship," Lane said.

Documents say Armenta is also accused of asking dispatch to ping the location of the alleged victim's phone back in January.

A not guilty plea was entered on Armenta's behalf in his initial court appearance in Floyd County on Thursday morning, and his bond was set at $20,000. He is to have no contact with the alleged victim.

Armenta is due back in court for a pre-trial conference June 17.

"I have full confidence in the New Albany Police Department, the way they handled it by turning it immediately over to Indiana State Police, and the full confidence of the men and women who serve our community," Lane said. "Very proud of them. And that's why we do what we do. When allegations are brought in the court, we make sure that they are fully brought to the court so that people can have confidence in their law enforcement, as I have confidence in our law enforcement."

Lane stressed these are "mere allegations."

"This is an isolated case," ISP Sgt. Carey Huls said. "We believe the investigation's completely over at this time and we have full confidence, as the prosecutor was saying, in the New Albany Police Department and we enjoy working daily with those officers."

According to New Albany Police, Armenta is on paid administrative leave pending an internal review and the outcome of the criminal case.

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