ANGOLA, IN - On September 14, 2020, detectives with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICACTF) arrested a Steuben County man on alleged charges of child exploitation, possession of child pornography, and a weapons offense.
On 7/27/2020, the Indiana State Police ICACTF received a Cyber Tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tip ultimately led to a search warrant being served on a residence in the 4000 block of North CR 450 West in Angola, IN by the Indiana State Police (ISP) with assistance from the Steuben County Sheriff’s Department.
As a result of the investigation, Joseph McDowell, 38, was arrested and transported to the Steuben County Jail on the following preliminary charges:
Charges:
- Two Counts: Child Exploitation under 12 years old, Level 4 Felony
- Five Counts: Possession of Child Pornography under 12 years old, Level 5 Felony
- One Count: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Serious Violent Felon, Level 4 Felony
Anyone having any information related to cyber-crimes against children are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or visit the NCMEC website at http://www.missingkids.com/cybertipline.
The Indiana ICACTF was assisted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, Steuben County Sheriff’s Department, and Troopers from the ISP Fort Wayne Post.
*The above listed charges are merely allegations, with the final charges to be determined by the Steuben County Prosecutor. All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.