Mothersbaugh found guilty of Child Solicitation
Madison, Indiana (November 10, 2021) - A man who thought he was meeting a 14-year-old girl for sex, but instead encountered police officers has been found guilty of Child Solicitation and related charges following a bench trial in Jefferson County Circuit Court. Melissa Campbell represented the State of Indiana, and Circuit Court Judge D.J. Mote presided over the trial.
Prosecutor David Sutter said Dennis Mothersbaugh, 41, of North Vernon, Indiana, was found guilty of:
-Child Solicitation, a Level 4 felony;
-Attempted Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Level 4 felony;
-Possession of Marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor; and
-Resisting Law Enforcement, a Class B misdemeanor.
“This case demonstrates the dangers social media can pose to teenagers,” said Prosecutor Sutter. “Unfortunately, there are sexual predators out there every day attempting to lure young people into very dangerous situations.”
According to the probable cause affidavit, on Aug. 27, 2020, Mothersbaugh initiated an online chat with a profile depicting a 14-year-old girl; the two discussed the girl’s age during their conversation. Mothersbaugh referred to the profile as "Sexy Butt", discussed taking her on a motorcycle ride, and referenced the "pleasure" that he would give her. On Sept. 6, 2020, Mothersbaugh made arrangements to meet the profile, saying he would meet her at Johnson Lake. He continuously messaged the profile until his arrival on that Sunday evening.
Around 9 p.m. a female officer dressed in civilian attire was seated at the pre-arranged shelterhouse when Mothersbaugh drove in.
Mothersbaugh was ordered out of the vehicle and as officers attempted to restrain him, he forcefully resisted them.
Officers also located marijuana in Mothersbaugh's possession. In the messaging, Mothersbaugh discussed "getting stoned" with the profile.
Sutter praised the efforts of law enforcement as another defendant in Operation Predator Net was convicted. “I would like to thank Detectives Shawn Scudder and Kyle Cutshaw along with Senior Patrolman Aaron Watson, and all of the Madison Police Department, for great police work and their assistance at the trial.”
Mothersbaugh is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 29.
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