Probation Ordered For Dissemination Of Porn
In exchange for a plea of guilty to dissemination of material harmful to children, two charges of D felony child solicitation were dropped against a Warsaw man who made two girls, ages 7 and 8, watch porn and exposed his genitals to them.
Joseph Sturgill, 32, appeared before Kosciusko County Superior Court I Judge Duane Huffer this morning for sentencing from his crimes. Sturgill was arrested in August by Warsaw Police after WPD investigators received information that he made the two young girls watch porn and look at pornographic photos at his near downtown apartment. Sturgill also allegedly exposed his genitals to the girls, who were described as family friends of his wife.
Sturgill was originally charged with two charges of child solicitation and one charge of dissemination of matter harmful to minors, all Class D felonies. But in court today, he was sentenced on one count per the plea agreement.
Defense attorney Joseph Sobek asked the court to take into consideration that these were the first criminal offenses ever filed against Sturgill “ever in his life.” When asked by Judge Huffer if Sturgill had any statement to make, he shook his head and quietly said, “No.”
Judge Huffer’s voice erupted in response, “Well shame on you! This is absolutely wrong! You took steps to show children things they should not see and shame on you, Mr. Sturgill. This is absolutely wrong. You have not be conducting yourself correctly around children.”
For the D felony charge of dissemination of material harmful to children, Sturgill was sentenced to 1 year in the county jail. “We can stop this right now, or I can place you on probation,” Judge Huffer told Sturgill, “and if I do, you must follow each and every rule. Mr. Sturgill, you hold the keys to your jail cell. You don’t follow the rules, you go to jail. Is that clear?”
Judge Huffer then suspended Sturgill’s jail term ordering him to serve 1 year on probation and to comply with whatever counseling the probation department directs. Sturgill is also prohibited from from being alone with any child under the age of 14 years old, and will pay administrative, probation and court fees.
“No more indecent activity, Mr. Sturgill, or you will go to prison,” added Judge Huffer. “Are you clear on that?”
Warsaw Police were assisted in their investigation by the North Webster Police Department, Indiana Department of Child Services and the Kosciusko County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.