Eric R Weiler, Child Pornography Production, Indiana 2017

SOUTH BEND – Eric R. Weiler, 46, of LaPorte, has pleaded guilty to production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and making a destructive device before US Magistrate Judge Michael G. Gotsch, Sr., as announced by U.S. Attorney Kirsch.

Documents in the case reveal that on August 23, 2017, a neighbor found someone had wired his car’s gas tank with explosives. Later investigation led to Weiler, who was accessing a neighboring vacant house. Inside this house, investigators discovered writings detailing plans to sexually exploit a child under twelve years old.

On September 20, 2017, two incendiary devices were found in Weiler’s residence—a typical improvised explosive device and a CO2 “cricket” bomb. The next day, they uncovered multiple electronic devices and storage units containing over 24,000 images and 80 videos of child pornography. These included videos of Weiler engaging in sexual acts with a minor and discussions about the bombs.

The plea is pending acceptance by the District Court Judge after which a sentencing hearing will be scheduled. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John M. Maciejczyk and Molly E. Donnelly are handling the case.

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies including LaPorte County Prosecutor’s Office, LaPorte Police Department, Michigan City Police Department, and Porter County Sheriff’s Department.