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.
-
6-year-old boy killed in hit-and-run incident in Cumberland
A child died early Sunday morning after wandering away from their home and being struck by a car in a hit-and-run incident, police say
Former IU forward Sam Alexis works out with the Pacers
Former IU forward Sam Alexis worked out with the Indiana Pacers on Friday ahead of the 2026 NBA Draft.
High school softball semi-state matchups set for Saturday
The IHSAA softball state tournament has reached the semi-state round. After the games are finished on Saturday, the state championship matchups will be set in all four classes.
Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell reflects on scoring 5,000 career points
Kelsey Mitchell became just the second player to score 5,000 points with the Indiana Fever, joining Fever legend Tamika Catchings. She crossed the milestone in the win against the Dream on Thursday.