Indiana man allegedly faked his own death to get out of paying child support

SALEM, Ind. (TCN) — A man faces charges after allegedly faking his own death to avoid paying child support and lying about being out of state.

According to the Indiana State Police, a detective met with the Washington County Child Support Administrator in April 2024 after she received emails informing her that Jeffrey Bell Jr. had died, which meant a “large amount of child support owed by Bell would go unpaid.”

Police learned Bell was likely still alive and living in Washington County with his girlfriend. A detective responded to the possible residence and made contact with Bell, who initially claimed to be someone else. Upon further investigation, the Washington County Prosecutor initially charged Bell with false informing.

Bell appeared in court virtually on Jan. 23 because he claimed to be out of state. However, authorities suspected he was still in Indiana and responded to his residence during the virtual meeting. According to state police, investigators confirmed he was inside the home in Indiana. The judge subsequently ordered him to be taken into custody and brought to the courtroom.

Bell now faces three counts of failing to appear, one count of false informing, and one count of contempt of court. He remains held in the Washington County Jail.

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