Press Release

COLUMBIA CITY — A Columbia City man was recently arrested for possessing child pornography after an investigation by state police.

On Sept. 6, 2022, the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force initiated a criminal investigation after receiving a transfer case from the Chicago Police Department ICAC, based on a tip received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an online account had been used for child exploitation.

During that investigation, information revealed the owner of the online account to be John Cowdin II, 42, Columbia City. After reviewing the results of the investigation, the Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office issued a warrant for Cowdin’s arrest. The Whitley County Sheriff Department arrested Cowdin at his place of employment in Columbia City on April 18.

Cowdin is facing seven charges of possession of child pornography, all level 5 felonies.

ISP was assisted by the Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office, Whitley County Sheriff’s Department, the Columbia City Police Department, and the Chicago Police Department.