Press Release

Michael D. Russell

SOUTH WHITLEY — On Oct. 14, detectives with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested a Whitley County man on alleged charges of possession of child pornography.

On April 24, the Indiana State Police ICACTF received a cyber tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. This tip ultimately led to a search warrant being served at the residence at 105 E. Market St., South Whitley, by ISP, with assistance from the Whitley County Sheriff’s Department and the South Whitley Police Department.

As a result of this investigation, Michael D. Russell, 39, South Whitley, was arrested at approximately 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, and taken to the Whitley County Jail, where he was booked into custody on preliminary criminal charges. He remains held pending an initial hearing on the matter.

Anyone having any information related to cyber crimes against children are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or visit the NCMEC website.

The Indiana ICACTF was assisted by the Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office, Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, South Whitley Police Department and troopers from the ISP Fort Wayne post.