Robert John McFarland

(3-7-25) On Thursday, March 6, 2025, detectives from the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, in collaboration with the LaGrange Police Department and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, arrested a Portland, Indiana man on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including possession of a narcotic drug, possession of a hypodermic syringe, theft, official misconduct, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of marijuana.

The investigation originated from a cybertip report received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and was initially pursued by the Blackford County Sheriff’s Office. When detectives determined the alleged criminal activity was centered in Jay County, the case was transferred to the Indiana State Police for further investigation.

Over the course of a five-month investigation, detectives identified a suspect residing near the 800 block of East Race Street in Portland who was believed to be in possession of child pornography. Upon executing a search warrant at the residence, authorities discovered and seized narcotic drugs, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

During the operation, detectives arrested Robert John McFarland, (46) of Portland, who was present at the scene. Further investigation revealed that McFarland was employed as the EMS Director for Jay County EMS and served as a volunteer teacher with the Jay County School Corporation.

McFarland was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Jay County Jail. He faces the following preliminary charges:

• Possession of a Narcotic Drug – Level 5 Felony (IC 35-48-4-6(b)(1))
• Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe or Needle – Level 6 Felony (IC 16-42-19-18)
• Theft – Level 6 Felony (IC 35-43-4-2(1)(A))
• Official Misconduct – Level 6 Felony (IC 35-44.1-1-1)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Class C Misdemeanor (IC 35-48-4-8.3)
• Possession of Marijuana – Class B Misdemeanor (IC 35-48-4-11)

This remains an active and ongoing investigation. There is no further information to release at this time.

The Indiana ICAC is a multiagency task force led by the Indiana State Police that investigates and prosecutes persons who use the internet to sexually exploit or entice children. Each year, Indiana ICAC investigators evaluate thousands of tips, investigate hundreds of cases, and rescue dozens of children from ongoing sexual abuse. The Indiana ICAC Task Force encourages Hoosiers to report online exploitation, solicitation, and enticement-type crimes against children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The NCMEC website can be accessed through the ICAC Task Force website. To report a crime with your child as a victim involving the internet or other electronic means, please contact your local Indiana law enforcement agency. To learn more about the efforts of the Indiana ICAC, visit https://internetcrimesagainstkids.com.