BEDFORD– A 43-year-old Bedford man was sentenced to 24 years in the Indiana Department of Correction on February 25, 2025, after pleading guilty to multiple counts of child exploitation and possession of child pornography.
Joshua Carter pleaded guilty to five counts of child exploitation (Level 4 Felony) and five counts of possession of child pornography (Level 5 Felony). He entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill, leaving the sentencing decision to the court.
According to the Indiana Code, a defendant found guilty but mentally ill is to be sentenced in the same manner as a defendant found guilty of the offense. After considering arguments from the State of Indiana and the defense, Lawrence Superior Court II Judge Robert Cline ordered Carter to serve 24 years.
Senior Deputy Prosecutor Sarah A. Cummings expressed satisfaction with the sentence. “The State of Indiana is pleased with the sentence in this matter,” Cummings stated. “The defendant was on the dark web searching for specific child pornography, with over 100 images found on one cell phone. The State would like to thank the Indiana State Police and Homeland Security Investigations for their hard work in this matter and their continued dedication to protecting the children of our community.”
Tim Sledd, Chief Public Defender of Lawrence County, represented Carter.
