(Churubusco, IN) – On December 4, 2025, detectives with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) arrested a Churubusco man on alleged charges related to the possession of child pornography.

This investigation by the Indiana State Police ICAC Task Force began with an undercover operation. The case and subsequent investigation ultimately led to a search warrant being served on a residence located near County Roads 500 East and 500 North near Churubusco in Whitley County.

As a result of the investigation, James Franklin (74) of Churubusco, was arrested for three counts of Possession of Child Pornography, Level 5 Felony. Franklin was transported to the Whitley County Jail and booked into custody without incident. 

The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Whitley County Sheriff Department, Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Churubusco Police Department.

The Indiana State Police oversee the ICAC Task Force, a multiagency task force that investigates allegations of using the internet to sexually exploit or entice children.

The 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.

ICAC Task Force website: https://www.in.gov/isp/icactf/

*All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.