Australian man charged in Indiana with multiple counts of child exploitation
Jul 17, 2026
WABASH COUNTY, Ind. (WISH) — An Australian man is facing charges in north-central Indiana after being accused of trying to exploit a child online.
Indiana State Police said in a release Friday morning the investigation started in June, after investigators received a report of a person tryi
ng to exploit a local child online.
Officers soon identified the suspect as 28-year-old Nathaniel Johnson from Australia. After confirming his location, ISP says they coordinated with Australian officials to carry on the investigation.
Johnson was taken into custody on June 24 and charged with “multiple online child sexual abuse offenses.” Officers seized several electronic devices from his home and say they are awaiting forensic analysis.
ISP says the investigation is still ongoing. It was unclear if or when Johnson would be extradited to Indiana.
Help is available for victims of domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual assault. Below is a list of suggested resources, both national and local:
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788
National Domestic Violence Hotline en español: 800-799-7233 o texto “START” al 88788
Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence: 24-hour hotline available at 800-332-7385
Indiana Coalition to End Sexual Assault and Human Trafficking
National Center for Missing Exploited Children
Firefly Children Family Alliance
La Plaza Indy
The Julian Center
Indiana Child Abuse Hotline: 800-800-5556
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 800-656-4673
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