A decades-old cold case in LaGrange County has been resolved following a guilty plea.

Ricky McLatcher, 63, pleaded guilty to criminal deviate conduct and criminal confinement in connection with a 1986 abduction and sexual assault.

The case was initially investigated by Indiana State Police, along with the LaGrange and Steuben County Sheriff’s Offices, but went cold after leads were exhausted.

In 2015, investigators confirmed DNA evidence had been preserved, though early testing yielded no matches. Advances in genetic genealogy in 2023 helped identify a family connection, ultimately leading investigators to McLatcher.

He was arrested in 2025 and returned to LaGrange County.

During an April 10 hearing, McLatcher was sentenced to 42 years in prison, with 34 years to be served. He is also required to register as a sex offender.