Child Solicitation Investigation Leads to Arrest and Conviction

Sentencing was handed down last week

Robert Marshall. Photo via Brookville Police.

(Brookville, Ind.) - Robert Marshall has been sentenced to five years the Indiana Department of Corrections, according to Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Huerkamp.

Marshall, 36, of Brookville, had been charged with Child Solicitation, a Level 5 Felony, alleging that he urged, incited, requested, or lured the victim (a child under the age of 14) to engage in sexual conduct.

According to the probable cause affidavit, Brookville Police were first alerted to the possibility of inappropriate communications in early July by Marshall’s landlord. The next day, Brookville Police were contacted by a former Franklin County Sheriff’s Deputy because Marshall wanted to “turn himself in”, although no hard evidence of the inappropriate communications had been discovered.

The alleged described the communication with Marshall to investigators. What started as a Facebook “friend” request progressed from messages about life to explicit sexual conversations, including offers to provide the victim with nicotine in exchange for sex acts and threats of physical abuse if the victim refused. Further, the victim reported that nude images were sent to Marshall and he responded in kind. And although there had been plans for the victim to meet with Marshall in-person, it never did occur. 

A search warrant for Marshall's phone was obtained on July 10. Investigators were able to corroborate much of what was reported by the victim, including discussions of sexual favors in return for nicotine and additional sexually-oriented messages.

Marshall later pled guilty. 

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Dudley imposed a five-year sentence, which was well above the advisory sentence of three years. 

Prosecutor Huerkamp emphasized that this case is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by potential predators in today’s digital age. Parents are reminded that there are several safety tips they can follow with their own kids, including:

• Only use apps and platforms with verified parental controls and privacy settings.
• Supervise internet access and teach basic online safety rules such as not clicking on unknown links, not accepting friend requests from strangers, and not sharing locations.
• Keep devices in shared spaces and teach kids about 'safe strangers' online.
• Start conversations early about digital footprints, encouraging them to be cautious about sharing personal information and pictures online.
• Regularly review your child’s apps, privacy settings, and device activity.