A man is no longer a Burns Harbor firefighter as he faces a felony sexual battery charge that accuses him of groping another male firefighter, court records show.

Zachary Andrew Charles Thomas, 25, of Lafayette, was charged last week with sexual battery, a Level 6 felony, and a misdemeanor battery charge.

Thomas, who was placed on leave during the investigation, is no longer with the Burns Harbor Volunteer Fire Corporation, police said.

Burns Harbor Police were asked by Fire Chief Ryan Nowacki on Sept. 28 to investigate a complaint filed by several firefighters against Thomas.

One male victim stated that Thomas had done “multiple things” to make him as well as others at the fire department feel “uncomfortable,” according to a probable cause statement filed in Porter Superior Court.

Th

See Full Page