Sullivan
A cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children recently led to the arrest of a Scottsburg man for possession of child pornography and child exploitation.
Detectives with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children task force in Sellersburg launched an investigation in July 2023 after receiving the tip, according to a news release from Sgt. Carey Huls, public information officer for the Sellersburg Post.
The tip indicated an unknown person used Snapchat to upload images depicting child sexual abuse material.
Utilizing the information provided in the tip, investigators were able to identify and locate the specific residence where the images were uploaded.
On Tuesday, ICAC detectives with the assistance of the Sellersburg Post’s All Crimes Policing squad went to the residence and conducted a voluntary interview with a man, later identified as Joseph Richard Sullivan, 27.
As the investigation continued, detectives obtained and executed a search warrant for the residence. As a result of the investigation, Sullivan was arrested on three Level 4 felony counts of possession and/or distribution of child pornography.
The multiagency task force investigates and prosecutes people who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children, and the state police oversees the task force.
Hoosiers are urged to report online exploitation, solicitation and enticement-type crimes against children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The NCMEC website can be accessed through the task force website in.gov/isp/icactf.
To report a crime with your child as a victim involving the internet or other electronic means, contact your local law enforcement agency.