COLUMBUS — A multi-day sting operation targeting online child predators resulted in the arrest of five men after investigators intercepted suspects attempting to travel to Columbus for sexual contact with minors.
Led by the Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and hosted by the Bartholomew County ICAC, the multi-agency operation utilized undercover officers across various social media platforms. Investigators intercepted the suspects as they communicated with what they believed to be underage victims.
“These five individuals traveled well over 400 miles total, believing they were going to have sexual contact with minors in Columbus,” Bartholomew County Sheriff Chris Lane stated, emphasizing local law enforcement’s commitment to holding offenders accountable.
All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The five men arrested during the operation include:
Matthew Bruce Ciske, 48, of Richmond, child solicitation, attempted sexual misconduct with a minor.
Andrew Rodger Donat, 59, Indianapolis, child solicitation, attempted sexual misconduct with a minor.
David Todd Hahn, 48, Mt. Washington, KY, child solicitation, attempted sexual misconduct with a minor.
Luis Ernesto Nunex Machuca, 37, Streamwood, IL, child solicitation, attempted sexual misconduct with a minor.
Nathan Todd Jones, 49, Thorntown, child solicitation, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia.
Bartholomew County Prosecutor Lindsey Holden praised the joint effort, noting that inter-agency collaboration is essential to protecting children in an increasingly digital landscape.
“The agencies involved in this operation are very committed to keeping our kids safer in a world where technology can make them more vulnerable,” she said.
“We must be proactive in our efforts to prevent child sex offenders from harming our children,” said Columbus Police Chief Steve Norman. “Our continued investment in investigating, educating, and preventing child sex crimes will make Columbus safer and preserve our community as a great place to raise a family.”
ISP Lieutenant Christopher Cecil, Commander of the Indiana ICAC Task Force, reiterated the agency’s dedication to combating online exploitation through joint local, state, and federal operations.
Participating entities included the Indiana State Police, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center, Bartholomew County Prosecutor’s Office, Bartholomew County Sheriff’s Office, Columbus Police Department, Bloomington Police Department, Jeffersonville Police Department, Westfield Police Department, and the Sheriff’s Offices of Jennings, Howard, and Clinton counties.
