The lead off Crown Point man charged in Delaware County in child exploitation investigation Court documents allege exchange of explicit images and videos with minor Case stems from 2020 investigation involving social media communications DELAWARE COUNTY, IND. (WOWO) A Crown Point man has been cha rged in Delaware County following allegations outlined in court documents that he exchanged explicit photos and videos with a minor through social media platforms. Charges filed in Delaware County Court records show 26-year-old John Benedict has been charged with one count of vicarious sexual gratification involving a victim under the age of 16 but older than 13, classified as a Level 5 felony. The charge was filed following an investigation conducted by Delaware County authorities that began in 2020. Investigation began in 2020 According to court documents, the investigation started in September 2020 when a detective was assigned to a child sex crimes case involving a teenager who had reportedly sent explicit photos and videos to multiple social media accounts. Investigators later reviewed the teen’s phone and identified accounts and an associated email address linked to Benedict, according to court filings. Allegations involving social media accounts Court documents state that records from Snapchat and Instagram were used in the investigation. Authorities allege: Snapchat contained approximately 61 explicit images and videos involving the minor Instagram contained approximately 11 additional images involving the minor Communications included requests for explicit content Investigators say Benedict was 19 at the time of the alleged conduct. Statements to investigators Court documents state that Benedict was taken into custody in December 2020 at his Crown Point home. During an interview, investigators allege Benedict admitted to receiving more than 50 explicit images from the minor and sending explicit images in return. Court records also state Benedict told investigators he “knew all of this was wrong” and referenced having “urges.” He also allegedly said he had communicated with multiple underage girls over a period of years. Court proceedings Court documents indicate Benedict’s initial hearing is scheduled for Aug. 4 in Delaware County. Looking ahead The case will proceed through the Delaware County court system, beginning with the scheduled initial hearing. Additional filings and court proceedings are expected as the case moves forward. The takeaway Felony charge filed after multi-year investigation A Crown Point man is facing a Level 5 felony charge in Delaware County following allegations involving explicit digital communications with a minor. Social media records cited in investigation Court documents indicate Snapchat and Instagram records played a central role in the investigation, along with statements attributed to the defendant. Court process scheduled to begin in August An initial hearing is set for Aug. 4 in Delaware County as the case formally moves into court proceedings. The post Records: More than 50 explicit images exchanged between man and minor via social media appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less