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.
-
Toasty Tuesday: warm, muggy with evening storms
Another mild and muggy morning across much of the state. Spotty showers and thunderstorms will be possible, with rainfall and gusty winds as the main threats.
Man fatally shot at laundromat on Indy's east side
Indianapolis police are searching for suspects after a man was fatally shot during a robbery on Indy’s east side early Tuesday morning.
Victor Wembanyama carries Spurs to Game 3 win
Victor Wembanyama had 32 points in his first NBA Finals win, carrying the San Antonio Spurs to a 115-111 victory on Monday night that cut the New York Knicks’ lead to 2-1.
Shaquille O'Neal to perform in West Lafayette as DJ Diesel
Shaquille O'Neal, also known as DJ Diesel, is scheduled to perform at The Neon Cactus in West Lafayette on Saturday, September 26, The Neon Cactus announced on its Facebook page.