DATE: October 9, 2026
South Whitley, IN – On October 8, 2026, detectives with the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) arrested a South Whitley man on alleged charges related to the possession of child sexual abuse material.
This investigation by the Indiana State Police ICAC Task Force began when tip(s) were received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The tips ultimately led to a search warrant being served on a residence located in South Whitley.
As a result of the investigation, Ryan Michel (38) of South Whitley, was arrested for two counts of Possession of child sexual abuse material, and one count of distribution of child sexual abuse material. Michel was transported to the Whitley County Jail and booked into custody.
The Indiana State Police was assisted by the Whitley County Sheriff Department, South Whitley Police Department, Whitley County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
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/
*The arrest is based upon probable cause of a crime, all crimes mentioned are alleged and all suspects are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
