A 20-year-old Rosedale man was arrested yesterday after Rockville police executed a search warrant and said evidence led to 20 felony counts involving child sexual abuse material. The case grew out of a multi-agency investigation spanning Parke and Vigo counties, with investigators warning the charge list may not be finished.
According to WTHI, Andrew Thom faces 10 counts of possessing child sexual abuse material, a Level 4 felony, and 10 counts of distributing it, a Level 3 felony. Police said the search warrant was carried out in Rosedale, where investigators found evidence that led to Thom’s arrest.
Multi-Agency Investigation Spanned Parke And Vigo Counties
The investigation involved the Parke County Sheriff’s Office, Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, Terre Haute Police Department, West Terre Haute Police Department, Vigo County High Tech Crimes Unit and Indiana State Police, according to the report. Rockville police said additional charges are possible as investigators continue reviewing the evidence.
The arrest also comes after Indiana increased penalties for certain child-exploitation offenses. 14 News reported that Gov. Mike Braun signed legislation in April raising possession of child sexual abuse material to a Level 4 felony, while the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force identifies Indiana Code 35-42-4-4 as the statute covering these offenses.
What The Felony Levels Could Mean
The Hamilton County Prosecutor’s Office says Indiana Level 3 felonies carry fixed terms of three to 16 years, with a nine-year advisory sentence, while Level 4 felonies carry two to 12 years, with a six-year advisory sentence. Those are general statutory ranges, not a prediction of what could happen in Thom’s case, and any sentence would come only after a conviction.
Thom’s arrest is an allegation, not a finding of guilt. The investigation remains active, and police said more charges could be filed as the multi-agency team works through the case, WTHI reported.
