SHELBYVILLE — A Bloomington man is facing felony charges following a massive three-day undercover operation targeting child sex offenders in Shelby County.
Frederick Maxwell Walsh, 39, of Bloomington, was arrested and charged with child solicitation, a Level 4 felony. Walsh was one of 11 individuals apprehended during the sting, which officials say resulted in a record number of arrests for this type of investigation in the area.
The multi-agency sting was spearheaded by the Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office and the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The investigation involved undercover officers posing as minors in online chat rooms to identify predators seeking to exploit children.
According to Shelby County Prosecutor James B. Landwerlen, most of those arrested traveled to Shelbyville with the expectation of engaging in sexual activity with a minor. The operation involved over 75 officers from 21 local, state, and federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Secret Service.
Beyond the 11 arrests, the investigation led to the identification and rescue of an infant from sexual abuse. Officials confirmed the child is now safe and receiving services, while the alleged offender in that specific case remains in custody with charges pending.
Prosecutor Brad Landwerlen said, ” I want to commend each and every law enforcement officer/agent/task force who was involved in this operation. Their genuine dedication to protecting children is incredible – particularly for the federal officers involved who worked each evening until the early morning hours while not getting paid. I also want to thank Deputy Prosecutor Brandon Robinson for all he did in helping to guide this investigation to such a successful outcome.”
“Collaborative initiatives like this highlight the positive impact that law enforcement can have in enhancing community safety by addressing the challenges posed by online predators,” said Indiana State Police Lieutenant Christopher Cecil.
Full List of Arrests in Shelby County
In addition to Walsh, the following individuals were arrested and charged in Shelby County:
- John Michael Altman, 27, Logansport, attempted child molest, a Level 1 felony, and child solicitation, a Level 4 felony
- Robert Owen Bland, 34, Indianapolis, dealing in methamphetamine, a Level 2 felony, dealing in cocaine, a Level 4 felony, and other misdemeanor charges
- James Andrew Klimek, 58, Indianapolis, child solicitation, a Level 5 felony
- Jackson Daniel Renaker, 36, Covington, KY, child solicitation, a Level 4 felony
- Brandon Lamont Stephens, 36, Indianapolis, child solicitation, Level 4 felony
- Darren Stephens, 35, Greenwood, child solicitation, a Level 4 felony
- Michael Allen Shelton, 73, Shelbyville, child solicitation, a Level 4 felony
- Daniel Roy Martin, 47, Oakwood, OH, conspiracy to commit sexual misconduct with a minor, a Level 4 felony
- Fernando Coronado-Olivares, 25, no known address, child solicitation, a Level 4 felony
One additional person was arrested in Clinton County as part of the same investigation.
Prosecutor Landwerlen urged parents to remain vigilant: “A quick check now could save your child’s life.”
We encourage parents to closely monitor their children’s online activities,” added Landwelen. “Think about how many similar conversations and meetings were arranged outside our investigation during those 3 days – not to mention the other 362 days this year. It is OK to trust your kids – but it is still necessary to verify what you believe.”
