A Florida man found himself on the wrong side of the law due to his inappropriate use of social media.
Christopher Ryan Wheeler, 33, Merritt Island, Fla., was arrested and booked on a Level 4 charge of vicarious sexual gratification with a victim younger than 14, and a Level 6 charge of performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor. He is being held in the Putnam County Jail on a $20,000 cash only bond.
According to court documents, last year, the Department of Child Services received a report of possible child porn/solicitation involving a 13-year-old female in Putnam County.
Wheeler added the girl to his SnapChat and began messaging her, asking for nude photos and for her to do specific acts. The messages then quickly turned into the two sharing sexual videos. The victim told police she sent messages to Wheeler because she believed he cared about her.
Authorities were able to positively identify Wheeler's identity in the videos using a booking photo from a Florida jail, as he has an extensive criminal history in Florida.
2026 Red Hill High School Homecoming schedule released
Farm harvest safety reminders for drivers
Southwestern Indiana fugitive arrested in Illinois after multi-county chase
Governor Braun proclaims Indiana Rail Safety Week September 21-27
City of Lawrenceville to begin hydrant flushing
Lawrence County (ILL.) man charged with child sex crime
LCMH promotes Diesser to Lead Cardiopulmonary Nurse
IECC District #529 passes budget and district plans
Lawrence County Fall Festival entertainment rescheduled
Lawrence County Board approves moratorium on data centers; solar project moving forward
Vincennes Lincoln High School among those to receive banner recognition from Special Olympics North America
New solar project moving forward in Knox County
Lawrence Public Library is solid financial shape for the future
United Way of Knox County Day of Caring Set for September 17–18
Gov. Braun continues to deliver on promise to keep local governments whole during gas tax holiday
Indiana state forests to offer open houses
