Man accused of giving baby STD returns to Muncie for trial

An Ohio man accused of sexually assaulting a Muncie baby has been returned to Delaware County to stand trial.

Bryan Michael Strickler, 23, is charged with child molestation and attempted child molestation.

Police said Strickler and his then-girlfriend, Ashley Stapert, assaulted the 6-month-old baby at their friend’s apartment.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the baby’s mother allowed Strickler and Stapert to stay with her because she believed they were homeless.  The mother said she knew the couple and allowed them to babysit her baby.


The baby was brought to Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health to be evaluated.  A medical exam revealed the baby had contracted genital warts.  

Strickler was being held without bond Thursday in the Delaware County Jail.