Jennings County man arrested for Child Sex Abuse Materials

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - Detectives with the Jennings County Sheriff's Office (JCSO) received a cybertip, in early July, through the National Center for Exploited or Missing Children (NCMEC), that a North Vernon man was receiving and distributing Child Sex Abuse Material.

Detectives began investigating the case and established enough Probable Cause to detain Randy Porter, 36, of North Vernon. On July 08, 2026, JCSO deputies initiated a traffic stop and detained Porter for detectives. They took the suspect into their custody.

During a search of Porter's person, methamphetamine was allegedly located. While authorities interviewed him, a search warrant was executed for his primary residence. Detectives retrieved several electronic devices that supposedly contained additional Child Sex Abuse Material.

During Porter's interview with JCSO, he allegedly admitted to possessing and distributing Child Sex Abuse Material.

He was booked into the Jennings County Jail on the following preliminary charges:   

• Child Exploitation-Possession of Child Pornography (Level 4 Felony)
• Possession of Meth (Level 6 Felony)
• Invasion of Privacy (Class A Misdemeanor)

JCSO's Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force is a collaborative law enforcement program that investigates and helps prevent crimes involving the online exploitation of children.

The Jennings County Sheriff's Office is often assisted by ICAC Task Force members from the Indiana State Police, who assist in the interviewing process as well as the forensic downloads of electronic devices.

Porter is being held at the Jennings County Jail on a $10,055 full cash bond. Further charges could be added as the investigation continues.