COLUMBUS, Ind. — A Bartholomew County man has been arrested after a months-long investigation by Indiana State Police into alleged child porn distribution.
Michael E. Lawless, 56, of Columbus, was arrested Wednesday and booked into the Bartholomew County Jail on felony charges of distribution and possession of child porn. The arrest comes after a six-month investigation by ISP and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Earlier this year, detectives received a cyber tip after a social media app identified a user who was sharing potential child sex abuse materials with other users. After multiple search warrants and subpoenas were issued and served, Lawless was identified as the suspect.
After collaborating with the U.S. Secret Service and local sheriff’s department, State Police investigators arrested Lawless. He was later booked into the county jail and is now awaiting an initial court appearance – which has not been scheduled as of 3 p.m. Thursday.
No other information was immediately provided by Indiana State Police.
