SHELBYVILLE, Ind. – A month-long investigation led to the arrest of a Shelbyville man on Wednesday. The Indiana State Police (ISP) Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit and the Indiana ICAC Task Force initiated a criminal investigation after receiving information about a person possessing child sex abuse material.
Through legal process and investigative tools provided by the Child Rescue Coalition, the suspect was identified as Dustin Deaton, 39, of Shelbyville.
Residential search warrants were served. While detectives interviewed Deaton, ISP digital forensic examiners conducted on-scene digital forensic triage examinations of electronic devices removed from the residence. On multiple devices allegedly belonging to the suspect, the digital forensic examiners allegedly found child sex abuse material.
After this information was uncovered, Deaton was arrested and transported to the Shelby County Jail on the following charges:
- Distribution of Child Sex Abuse Material with enhancement of under 12 (Level 4 Felony)
- Possession of Child Sex Abuse Material with enhancement of under 12 (Level 5 Felony)
Assisting ISP were the Shelbyville Police Department, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, and the Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office. All agencies listed are members of the Indiana ICAC Task Force, a multiagency that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to exploit or entice children sexually. The Indiana State Police oversees the task force.
The Indiana ICAC Task Force encourages Hoosiers to report online exploitation, solicitation, and enticement-type crimes against children to NCMEC. The NCMEC website can be accessed through the ICAC Task Force website. To report a crime in which your child is a victim involving the Internet or other electronic means, contact your local Indiana law enforcement agency.
All criminal defendants are to be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
