High:50°F Low:32°F
WAKO

Search

Winamac woman arrested by Culver PD following investigation into child exploitation & solicition

Friday, August 28, 2026 at 2:00 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

A Winamac woman was arrested Sunday, August 23rd after a nearly 16-month investigation by the Culver Police Department into alleged child exploitation and invasion of privacy.

The investigation began in April 2025, when the Culver Police Department received reports of alleged communication between an adult woman and a 15-year-old juvenile male. A witness reported ongoing electronic messaging contact between Shannan Hoffmann and the minor, despite a valid protective order prohibiting communication between them.

An initial investigation took place in the 600 block of Forest Place in Culver. Evidence gathered during the investigation supported allegations of ongoing electronic messaging, some of which were found to be inappropriate in nature, including messages that were sexual in content and nude photographs.

A follow-up interview was conducted with the 15-year-old minor and his parent, and a subsequent forensic interview was later conducted. As the investigation continued, search warrants were sought for the minor's electronic device and the involved social media accounts of both parties, which were later analyzed with the assistance of the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.

Hoffmann was interviewed regarding her alleged involvement. Her electronic device was retained and, after a search warrant was obtained, examined with assistance from the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.

Upon completion of the investigation, which included interview statements and examination of data collected through search warrants, a formal report was submitted to the Marshall County Prosecutor's Office. A probable cause affidavit was filed with Marshall County Superior Court, resulting in an arrest warrant being issued for Hoffmann.

On Sunday, August 23, at approximately 4:15 p.m., a Culver police officer located Hoffmann in a vehicle in the area of State Road 10 and State Road 17 in Culver. Hoffmann, 40, currently of Winamac, was taken into custody on the active arrest warrant.

She was transported to the Marshall County Jail and held on a $15,000 cash bond on the following charges:

  • Child Exploitation — Level 5 Felony
  • Child Solicitation — Level 5 Felony
  • Possession of Child Pornography — Level 6 Felony
  • Dissemination of Matter Harmful to Minor — Level 6 Felony
  • Invasion of Privacy — Class A Misdemeanor

The Culver Police Department was assisted during the investigation by the Indiana Department of Child Services and the Marshall County Sheriff's Department.

Readers are reminded that charging information supported by an affidavit of probable cause is a mere allegation that a crime has been committed and that there is only probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. They are presumed innocent throughout the proceedings and are entitled to be represented by counsel and entitled to a trial by jury at which the State is obligated to provide proof beyond a reasonable doubt before a judgment of guilt may be made.

Share

More from Local News