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.
-
Scam targets Brownsburg animal clinic seeking rezone of land
A nonprofit animal clinic was nearly scammed out of thousands of dollars by a tactic investigators are increasingly seeing across the country.
Indiana audit of Medicaid attendant care program flags widespread violations
A sweeping audit by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration found nearly $200 million in improper payments tied to home- and community-based attendant care services.
Raiders select Fernando Mendoza No. 1 overall in NFL Draft
Former IU quarterback Fernando Mendoza has been selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Directors of iCare Food Ministry in Seymour charged with child molestation
A couple from Seymour has been arrested and facing multiple felonies following a nearly two-week investigation, Indiana State Police said on Thursday.
