North Vernon man facing child sex charges after bathroom recordings
A North Vernon man is facing local and federal charges after an investigation into voyeurism of children.
According to the Jennings County Sheriff’s Department, the investigation began in January after authorities received a report of digital recording devices found inside a residential bathroom. As part of the investigation, deputies stopped a vehicle driven by 45 year old Joshua Wagers of North Vernon. A search uncovered several multimedia devices which were seized. Wagers was arrested on a preliminary charge of voyeurism.
The investigation continued with search warrants issued for electronic devices. The search uncovered thousands of images and videos containing child sexual abuse materials. The FBI was brought in to help with the case. Earlier this month, deputies and FBI agents executed additional search warrants at a residence in Montgomery Township and a federal arrest warrant was served for Wagers.
State charges against Wagers include
- Child Molesting – Level 4 Felony (2 counts)
- Child Exploitation – Level 5 Felony (2 counts)
- Voyeurism – Level 6 Felony
- Performing Sexual Conduct in the Presence of a Minor – Level 6 Felony
- Sexual Battery – Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
- Battery by Bodily Waste – Class B Misdemeanor
He was taken to jail in Floyd County and is being held there pending his initial appearance in New Albany federal court.
All victims associated with the voyeurism and the child sex abuse materials have been identified and notified.