Robert Hartheimer, the former CEO of Memphis-based Evolve Bank, pleaded guilty to charges involving child pornography, with his attorney confirming the plea related to the attempted production of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor, as reported by Action News 5. His sentencing is currently scheduled for April 3. According to details obtained from WREG, the 68-year-old's arrest occurred after he arranged a meeting through the dating app Grindr with someone he believed to be a 15-year-old boy, leading federal agents to execute a search warrant at Evolve Bank's headquarters on Poplar Avenue in East Memphis.
In December a plea was on the table, the attempt to produce child pornography carries a significant prison sentence ranging from 15 to 30 years while the charge for coercion and enticement of a minor could land him in prison for 10 years to life, this according to information from Hartheimer's legal team, Hartheimer had been named CEO of the institution just months earlier in August of 2025 and Evolve Bank has been under federal oversight due to regulatory concerns about certain weaknesses in its programs. Hartheimer was apprehended at the bank's headquarters by the FBI after agents posing as a 15-year-old boy engaged him on Grindr.
"Today Mr. Hartheimer formally took responsibility for the offenses he committed," said Hartheimer's attorney, Blake Ballin, in a statement acquired by Action News 5. "His sentencing will be held on April 3. Mr. Hartheimer is hopeful that his sentence reflects not only a reasonable penalty for his regrettable act but also his exemplary professional life and dedication to his friends and family."
Hartheimer admitted to using his phone to both solicit and transmit sexually explicit photos with someone he believed was a 15-year-old, waiving his right to an indictment by a grand jury, which is a move not often seen in cases that hold such substantial allegations and potential sentences; a judge has yet to determine the final sentencing, which will take into account statements from the defendant and his legal representation, as detailed by FOX13 Memphis. The hearing on April 3 will be a critical moment for the former banking executive as he faces the consequences of his actions.
