TERRE HAUTE- A grim reminder of the dangers lurking online: Joshua Lee Schatz, 33, has been handed a 10-year federal prison sentence plus 15 years of supervised release for his possession of child sexual abuse material. The disturbing images and videos depicted toddlers being sexually abused by adults.
On February 3, 2023, Indiana State Police Troopers were tipped off that Schatz had shared anime and computer-generated child abuse content via text messages. A March 10, 2023, search warrant led to the seizure of hundreds of offensive images from his Terre Haute residence.
Among the worst revelations was Schatz’ own descriptions of sexual acts he intended on performing on children. His 2016 conviction for sexually abusing a minor under 14 years old in Vigo County only added to the gravity of his new charges.
“There is no greater responsibility than protecting our children, especially the most vulnerable,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “Satz’s sentence reflects the justice he deserves, and we will continue to protect our youth from predators like him.”
The FBI, Indiana State Police, and IMPD collaborated in this investigation, which was part of Project Safe Childhood, a DOJ initiative to combat child sexual exploitation online. Assistant U.S. Attorney Samantha Spiro prosecuted the case, while the Indiana ICAC Task Force conducted the investigation.
Visit Indiana ICAC for more information on their efforts in combating internet-based child sexual exploitation.
Related Federal Cases
- Indy Man Gets 60 Years for Child Sex Abuse Images · Indiana
- Terre Haute’s David Roberts Sentenced to 15 Years for Child Pornography Production · Indiana
- Fishers Predator Sentenced to 13 Years for Child Sex Abuse Material Trafficking · Indiana
- Holton Sentenced for Sex Offender Registration Violation · South Carolina
- Evansville Predator Gets 8 Years for Kik Child Abuse Material · Indiana
Key Facts
- State: Indiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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