Director of Anderson addiction recovery center arrested for battery against 15-year-old

DISCLAIMER: This story includes brief mention of domestic violence against a minor. News 8 has chosen not to identify the relationship between the suspect and victim.

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) — The director of an addiction recovery center in Anderson has been arrested after police say he battered a 15-year-old.

Capt. Darwin Dwiggins with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the arrest to News 8 early Thursday.

According to Dwiggins, Karl Lazar, 43, was taken into custody at his home outside Anderson sometime Friday. It was not clear what led up to Lazar’s arrest or if anyone else was involved.

Following his arrest, Lazar was booked into the Madison County jail and released Monday. An online jail tracker shows he faces preliminary charges of confinement and domestic battery resulting in moderate bodily injury.

Lazar works as the director of operations at Grace Recovery and Wellness, Dwiggins said. According to its website, Grace Recovery is an addiction treatment center that offers “medication assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol substance abuse.” Lazar also manages Grace House, a sober living housing facility for those transitioning from addiction to sobriety.

Prosecutors told News 8 Thursday charges have not been filed yet as the case is still under review.

News 8 also reached out to Grace Recovery and Wellness for information on Lazar, but they declined to comment.

Help is available for victims of domestic violence. Below is a list of suggested resources on the Domestic Violence Network website:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
• National Domestic Violence Hotline en español: 800-799-7233 o texto “START” al 88788
• Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24-hour hotline available at 800-332-7385
• Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
• La Plaza Indy
• The Julian Center
• Indiana Child Abuse Hotline: 800-800-5556
• National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673

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