Child pornography investigation leads to Muncie man's arrest
Andrew Price-Jetmore Schoettmer, 31, was preliminarily charged with two counts of possession of child porn, one a Level 5 felony carrying up to six years in prison, and the other a Level 6 felony with a maximum 30-month sentence.
Schoettmer. arrested on Tuesday, was released from the Delaware County Jail after posting a $10,000 bond.
Indiana State Police said the investigation leading to Schoettmer's arrest began in January based on a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
More: Randolph County man placed on probation for child pornography conviction
Investigators said a file of "child sexual abuse material" — including a video showing a "prepubescent female" being sexually assaulted by an adult male — was uploaded to an online account linked to Schoettmer.
A search warrant was served at Schoettmer's Muncie home on Tuesday. An Apple watch and a HP Crome Book were reportedly seized, and a state trooper said the Muncie man surrendered his cell phone.
During an interview, Schoettmer reportedly acknowledged the online account containing the images belonged to him, but said he was "unable to explain" where that material came from.
He suggested his account might have been hacked, according to an affidavit. However, a trooper said there was no evidence to suggest that had happened.
Delaware County Prosecutor Eric Hoffman's office will determine whether formal charges will be filed in the case.
Court records reflect no prior charges against Schoettmer.
Douglas Walker is a news reporter at The Star Press. Contact him at 765-213-5851 or at dwalker@muncie.gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Muncie Star Press: Muncie man target of state police child molesting investigation
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