The allegations laid out in newly filed court records are about as grim as it gets. A 19-year-old Indianapolis woman is accused of forcing a 2-year-old to perform sexual acts on camera, then sending images and videos of the abuse to social-media users in exchange for money. At least one clip described in the filings reportedly shows the child crying while the abuse continues. The defendant is identified in court records as Haylee Schmidt.
According to court documents obtained by FOX59, investigators say they pulled multiple explicit videos and images from three social accounts linked to Schmidt and allege she distributed the material for payment. The filings claim the footage shows two men instructing Schmidt to carry out sexual acts on the toddler and describe the child’s visible distress. Records also state that Schmidt at first played down what she knew about the accounts, then later acknowledged she had created and sent the material.
Penalties Under Indiana Law
Indiana law treats the alleged offenses as among the state’s most serious crimes. A conviction on a Level 3 felony carries a fixed prison term of three to sixteen years, with an advisory sentence of nine years. A Level 4 felony carries two to twelve years, with an advisory six-year term, and fines of up to $10,000 may also apply, according to Justia and Justia.
Charges And Court Dates
Court filings reviewed by FOX59 show Schmidt faces two counts of rape and two counts of child molesting, each charged as Level 3 felonies, along with two counts of child exploitation charged as Level 4 felonies. The documents state that law enforcement interviewed Schmidt on July 15 and that an initial hearing was scheduled for the morning of Thursday, July 23.
Investigation Details
According to the filings, the investigation began after a report in June 2025 about a video that allegedly showed an adult raping a toddler. Investigators traced the material to accounts tied to Schmidt and say they identified her in part through distinctive butterfly tattoos seen in the footage. Prosecutors’ records indicate Schmidt later admitted creating and sending the content, describing it as a “one-time incident.”
A public court notice also points to related Marion County family court activity concerning the child’s welfare earlier this year. That summons appears in local legal postings, and Gannett Classifieds published a notice referencing the Marion Superior Court docket connected to the matter.
What Comes Next
The case remains under active review as prosecutors and child-welfare officials move through a series of hearings and filings. If Schmidt is convicted on the charged felonies, she would face the sentencing ranges and potential fines outlined in Indiana law, and prosecutors are expected to present their evidence at upcoming court dates. Authorities have asked anyone with information related to the case to contact Indianapolis police so investigators can follow up.
