Media Release
BOONE COUNTY C.A.S.E. TASK FORCE
Child Abuse & Sexual Exploitation
*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
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May 18th, 2026
Investigation and Arrest of Joseph Boots
Boone County, IN — In February 2026, the Boone County Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation (CASE) Task Force received a CyberTipLine (CyberTip) Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The CyberTip alerted officers to child sex abuse material (CSAM) being created with Artificial Intelligence by a Boone County resident.
Through various investigative measures, Joseph Boots, 46, of Whitestown, was identified as the suspect in this case.
On May 14th, 2026, the CASE Task Force, along with other Boone County law enforcement, served a search warrant for digital devices at Boots’ residence and on his person. Through additional investigation, law enforcement identified an adult victim that reported sexual crime(s) perpetrated by Boots when the victim was a minor.
Boots was detained and subsequently arrested on recommended charges of Child Exploitation, Possession of CSAM, and Performing Sexual Conduct in the Presence of a Child. During the search of Boots’ residence, law enforcement seized a large number of digital devices. At this time, it is unknown which devices were used in commission of these crimes and will require extensive forensic analysis. Preliminary analysis did show that device(s) did contain CSAM. The investigation is ongoing, pending analysis of seized devices. Additional charges may follow.
Joseph Boots is currently being held at the Boone County Jail without bond.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The CASE Task Force would like to thank the following agencies for their assistance in this investigation:
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Lebanon Police Department – Criminal Investigations Division
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Whitestown Police Department – Criminal Investigations Division
About the Boone County CASE Task Force
The Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation (CASE) Task Force was established in 2023 to support Boone County law enforcement in combatting crimes against children, including internet crimes. This multi-agency task force enhances both investigative and prosecutorial efforts, focusing on the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of offenses against children. The Task Force is comprised of personnel from the Boone County Prosecutor’s Office, Boone County Sheriff’s Office, Lebanon Police Department, Whitestown Police Department, and Zionsville Police Department. It works in close collaboration with the Indiana State Police’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Through coordinated efforts and specialized training, the CASE Task Force ensures a proactive, victim-centered approach to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.
Reporting Child Abuse or Sexual Exploitation
If you suspect child abuse or sexual exploitation, please report it immediately to:
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Your local Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, or 911
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Indiana DCS Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (800-800-5556)
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NCMEC’s CyberTipLine Report (https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline or 800-843-5678)