An 18-month undercover investigation has resulted in the arrest of a dozen men accused of attempting to exploit children online.
Detectives with the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office went undercover on several popular social media platforms, posing as minors to identify individuals allegedly seeking sexual contact. Investigators said the operation was part of a continuing effort to stay ahead of evolving online threats.
Of the twelve suspects taken into custody, deputies said very few had prior criminal records, and only one was a previously known sex offender. That finding, investigators say, underscores the importance of educating parents about modern online dangers.
The Sheriff’s Office is urging families to become familiar with the apps their children use — including Snapchat, Instagram, and Reddit — and to maintain open conversations about online interactions. Officials also encouraged parents to routinely monitor their child’s activity and to report any suspicious or predatory behavior.
The Clinton County Sheriff’s Office has been part of Indiana’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force for several years. While this particular operation is currently paused, investigators plan to resume similar stings in the future, in cooperation with state and regional agencies.
Supporting partners in the investigation included the Indiana State Police, Frankfort Police Department, Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office (Illinois), Lafayette Police Department, and White County Sheriff’s Office.
Those arrested and charged include:
• Daniel Fronczak – Level 4 felony child solicitation
• Jason Marchand – Level 4 felony child solicitation; Level 6 felony possession of child sex abuse material
• Trevor Reece – Level 4 and Level 5 felony child solicitation
• Joshua Jenkinson – Level 5 felony child solicitation; Level 6 felony possession of child pornography; Level 6 felony dissemination of matter harmful to minors
• Kenneth Smith – Level 5 felony child solicitation; Level 6 felony dissemination of matter harmful to minors
• Zachary Zumbuhl – Level 4 and Level 5 felony child solicitation; Level 6 felony dissemination of matter harmful to minors
• Michael Walker – Level 4 felony child solicitation
• Brant Murray – Level 4 felony child solicitation; Level 6 felony possession of child pornography; Level 6 felony dissemination of matter harmful to minors; misdemeanor possession of marijuana
• Chad Allenduff – Level 5 felony child solicitation; Level 6 felony performance before a minor harmful to minors
• Ismael Ponce (Illinois) – Class 3 felony indecent solicitation; aggravated criminal sexual abuse
• Dielgo Cruz Gomez – Level 4 felony child solicitation
• Robert R. Wells – Level 4 felony child solicitation; Level 6 felony possession of methamphetamine; Level 6 felony possession of child sex abuse material
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that continued public awareness is key to preventing child exploitation in an increasingly digital world.