The Indiana State Police Putnamville Post announces that Zachary McBride has been convicted and sentenced in Vermillion County Circuit Court.
The investigation, which began after the reported offenses on August 1, 2023, resulted in multiple charges including possession of child pornography, child seduction, and sexual battery.
Sergeant Michael Featherling’s diligent investigative work was instrumental in bringing this case to a successful conclusion. The Putnamville Post Commander Lieutenant David Cox, commended the efforts of all involved, including the Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office and the Vermillion Circuit Court.
McBride was sentenced on June 25, to a total of 5,105 days (11.5 years) in the Indiana Department of Correction, with all sentences to be served consecutively or concurrently as determined by the court.
Original news release
The Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation of a Cayuga man, after receiving information concerning allegations of child seduction and sexual battery with a minor.
The investigation revealed that Zachary T. McBride, 36, of Cayuga, had allegedly engaged in communicating with a minor and provided funds and grocery items to receive child pornography from that minor. These allegations took place in Vermillion County.
After a lengthy criminal investigation and conducting digital forensics, the Vermillion County Circuit Court issued an arrest warrant on December 2, 2025, for McBride. The Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department arrested McBride on the active warrant on December 5, 2025. McBride was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held without bond in the Vermillion County Jail.
Indiana State Police Master Sergeant Michael Featherling was assisted by Susie’s Place, Vermillion County Sheriff’s Department and the Vermillion County Prosecutor’s Office.
McBride faces the following charges:
Possession of Child Pornography (Aggravating Factor Found), Level 5 Felony
Possession of Child Pornography (2 counts), Level 6 Felony
Child Seduction, Felony 6
Sexual Battery (Victim Compelled to Submit by For Imminent Threat), Level 6 Felony
NIPSCO expands customer safety efforts and tips to prevent utility scams
Gov. Braun urges Hoosiers to “Drive Sober or Don’t Drive” as State Police launch C.A.R.E. Blitz to target impaired Driving
Attorney General Rokita demands Merrillville cease illegal interference with Federal Immigration Enforcement
Gov. Braun directs state to reimburse local governments for Gas Tax Holiday Revenue
Name released in pedestrian death; law enforcement looking for pickup that fled scene
Plymouth School Board interviews 4 candidates for vacant board seat
DUI Task Force officer arrests 2 drivers in separate OWI incidents on Friday evening
