Sting operation nets handful of arrests involving online child sex offenders

Five men were arrested during a sting operation targeting online child sex offenders.

Led by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, the operation spanned multiple days and involved federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working undercover to intercept predators seeking unlawful contact with minors.

Bartholomew County Prosecutor Lindsey Holden said the collaboration of agencies is instrumental in such investigations.

“The agencies involved in this operation are very committed to keeping our kids safer in a world where technology can make them more vulnerable,” she said. Investigators used a variety of social media platforms to intercept the suspects. “These five individuals traveled well over 400 miles total, believing they were going to have sexual contact with minors in Columbus,” said Bartholomew County Sheriff Chris Lane. “We will continue to work with fellow law enforcement agencies everywhere to capture offenders against children and hold them accountable.” Columbus Police Chief Steve Norman said, "We must be proactive in our efforts to prevent child sex offenders from harming our children. Our continued investment into investigating, educating, and preventing child sex crimes will make Columbus safer and preserve our community as a great place to raise a family."

ISP Lieutenant Christopher Cecil, the Commander of the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force stated, “The success of this operation illustrates the Indiana ICAC’s steadfast commitment to its mission to protect children from online exploitation and solicitation. By collaborating with local, state, and federal law enforcement, we work diligently to protect our communities from the online scourge that seeks to prey on children.”

The investigation was led by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) and hosted by the Bartholomew County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (BCICAC). Involved agencies included: Indiana State Police, Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Police Department, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Bloomington Police Department, Jennings County Sheriff’s Office, Howard County Sheriff’s Office, Clinton County Sheriff’s Office and the Jeffersonville Police Department.

Those arrested and charges:

Matthew Bruce Ciske, 48, Richmond, Indiana

Child Solicitation, Level 4 felony

Attempted Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Level 4 felony

Andrew Rodger Donat, 59, Indianapolis

Child Solicitation, Level 4 felony

Attempted Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Level 4 felony

David Todd Hahn, 48, Mt. Washington, Kentucky

Child Solicitation, Level 4 felony

Attempted Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Level 4 felony

Luis Ernesto Nunez Machuca, 37, Streamwood, Illinois

Child Solicitation, Level 4 felony

Attempted Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, Level 4 felony

Nathan Todd Jones, 49, Thorntown, Indiana

Child Solicitation, Level 4 felony • Possession of Methamphetamine, Level 6 felony

Possession of Marijuana, Class B misdemeanor

Possession of Paraphernalia, Class C misdemeanor