CLAY COUNTY — A former Carmel Police Department officer is facing charges in Clay County after state police say he made a fake Facebook profile to post derogatory comments about someone running for sheriff in a Facebook chatter group.
According to court records, Andrew Longyear, 32, of Fishers, used photos of a Georgia man to post in the Brazil Indiana Chatter Facebook group about Josh Clarke, who is running for Clay County sheriff, and Emily Clarke, his wife, who is the current Clay County prosecutor.
He is charged with one count of identity deception, a Level 6 felony, and one count of conversion, a misdemeanor, according to online court records. He is charged in a Clay County court, but a special prosecutor from Sullivan County filed the charges.
According to a press release from Indiana State Police, Longyear is a former deputy and detective of the Clay County Sheriff's Office.
Carmel Police Department Lt. Tim Byrne said Longyear resigned from the department on Thursday morning. He started working for the department in June 2021.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Longyear told detectives he made the profile to remain anonymous and made the posts to share information he didn't think people knew about candidates.
The person whose photos and name Longyear was using told a state police detective they spoke with Josh and Emily Clarke and said they "seem like hard-working, honest and professional people," according to the affidavit. They also said he was upset someone would use their pictures and name to "diminish all their accomplishments."
Longyear's resignation comes after the recent resignation of Carmel's police chief and a deputy chief said he would retire after the chief recommended his termination.
In an email statement to WRTV Thursday, the city said "the Carmel Police Department is nationally accredited and always acts quickly and transparently on all matters. The Mayor has complete confidence in Chief Barlow to respond to situations such as this thoroughly and to continue to provide for the public safety in Carmel."
-
Circle City Broadcasting Expands Indy Eleven Partnership with Five Games on WRTV
Indy Eleven fans can watch five matches on WRTV during the remainder of the 2026 USL Championship season, beginning Saturday night against Detroit City FC.
Poor air quality, hot and humid with afternoon storms| July 17, 2026
Poor air quality again today with high heat, humidity and smoke from Canadian wildfires. Spotty showers and thunderstorms into the afternoon hours as well.
Zionsville homeowners fight back against proposed gas station
Homeowners in Zionsville are fighting back against a proposed gas station near Holliday Farms and U.S. 421.
Pedestrian killed after being hit by vehicle at West 38th Street, Michigan Road
A pedestrian died early Friday morning after being hit by a vehicle on Indy's near north side, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
