57-year-old Plymouth man arrested on child solicitation charges

Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 11:25 AM

By Kathy Bottorff

A 57-year-old Plymouth man was arrested early Monday morning on child solicitation charges following an investigation into alleged sexual conversations with a minor over social media.

Plymouth Police were alerted that an adult male was planning to meet with a juvenile after engaging in sexually explicit conversations online.

Patrolman Fase led the investigation, which identified John Machlan of 7th Road in Plymouth as the suspect.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on December 29th, Machlan drove to Skylane Drive to meet with an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old juvenile.

Following the investigation, Machlan was taken into custody and charged with child solicitation, a Level 4 felony. He was transported to Marshall County Jail.

A probable cause affidavit was submitted to Marshall Superior Court 3. Judge Matthew Sarber signed the probable cause order and set his cash bond at $10,000.

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.