Reed Evan Pottschmidt, 37, was arrested Thursday after an investigation by a regional task force focused on internet crimes against children.
The Herald Bulletin reported that Pottschmidt was charged with felony promotion of child sexual trafficking and several other offenses involving sexual contact with a minor. The outlet said the investigation involved the Hamilton County Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Online exploitation reports and task force work
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children data show that CyberTipline reports of online enticement rose by more than 300%, from 44,155 in 2021 to 186,819 in 2023, according to NCMEC. The figures count reports, not verified incidents. The statewide Indiana ICAC Task Force is a multiagency group of more than 50 local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that investigates and prosecutes online sexual exploitation or enticement of children, according to Indiana State Police.
How the Investigation Began
The case involved allegations of sexual contact with a minor.
In a July forensic interview at Kids Talk in Anderson, a court document says, she described meeting a man identified as Evan on the app.
Allegations of Repeated Contact
The affidavit alleges that the girl met Pottschmidt three times and had sexual intercourse with him on those occasions. She said the first encounter was in his car and that, on two later occasions, he entered her bedroom through a window, according to the affidavit.
A court document alleges that Pottschmidt directed the girl to have sex with other people and send him videos of those encounters.
Charges
Pottschmidt was charged with felony promotion of child sexual trafficking and several other offenses involving sexual contact with a minor.
