RANDOLPH COUNTY — A repeat sex offender was arrested Thursday on suspicion of soliciting teen girls for sex after police were contacted by a predator catcher group.
The 40-year-old Muncie man's chat logs showed him engaged in sexual conversations with two members of the group who posed as 14-year-old girls, according to a news release from the Randolph County Sheriff's Department.
An investigation began when police were contacted by the group, PCM: Predator Catchers Muncie. Police first met with the group on Jan. 14.
MORE | Two found dead after early morning house fire in Monticello
The group provided the suspect's full chat logs, which also showed he had agreed to meet one of the members he believed to be a minor, the Sheriff's Department said.
Police later obtained a warrant for the man's arrest and arrested him at his home.
The suspect faces a felony count of child solicitation, which carries a penalty of one to six years if convicted and a fine of up to $10,000.
MORE | Teen accused of taking staff member, two other kids hostage at children's home
He was previously convicted in two separate child solicitation cases, the Sheriff's Department said.
The man has not yet been formally charged in the most recent investigation.
-
Father and son bond over historic IU football season with podcast
The historic championship run by the Indiana Hoosiers has brought together countless people. This father-son duo has logged on to cheer on the Hoosiers with their podcast, Always Pick the Underdog.
Popping with pride: Indiana leads the nation on National Popcorn Day
Indiana grows more popcorn than any other state, so on National Popcorn Day, Hoosiers are celebrating a treat that is a state tradition and popcorn seeds that are sold around the world.
Bloomington buzzing as fans pack Kirkwood Avenue for IU championship game
Students camp out overnight and alumni travel cross-country as Hoosiers fans flood downtown to shop and watch historic matchup
Kids honor MLK Day with service at Madam Walker Legacy Center
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?" This MLK Day, hundreds of kids spent part of their day answering that question.