A Bartholomew County man is in jail after Columbus police officers investigated a tip about a person sending pornographic images of a child and descriptions of criminal sexual acts involving a child on a social media site.
Nicholas Duane Hickman, 39, of 1641 Azelea Drive, Columbus, was booked into the Bartholomew County Jail at 1:48 p.m. Friday on preliminary charges of child exploitation, a Level 4 felony, and sexual battery, a Level 6 felony.
Hickman is currently being held at the Bartholomew County Jail without bond on a 48 hour hold as the investigation continues, said Lt. Matt Harris, public relations officer for Columbus Police Department.
Columbus Police Department received the tip Friday morning, Harris said. Several detectives from the CPD Criminal Investigations Division were assigned to the case and began collecting evidence, which led them to Hickman.
A search warrant was served and additional evidence was seized by investigators. After detectives interviewed Hickman, he was arrested at 12:49 p.m. Friday, Harris said.
Anyone with information in this case is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600, Harris said. Tips and information can be left anonymously. Indiana law requires those who suspect a child to be victim of abuse or neglect to report it to authorities.
The Department of Child Services is assisting with this case.
