Jasper County, Indiana – A 31-year-old Illinois man faces felony charges after allegedly soliciting a 14-year-old girl online in Jasper County.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, deputies received a tip at approximately 5:56 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, alleging that Zachary Moritz of Belvidere, Illinois, had been communicating with a juvenile female via social media and was soliciting her for sexual activity and explicit photographs.
Deputies made contact with the reporting party and reviewed evidence that supported the allegations, the sheriff’s office said. During the course of the investigation, authorities located Moritz in the area where he was allegedly attempting to meet the juvenile.
He was taken into custody without incident.
Moritz has been charged with Child Solicitation, a Level 4 felony, and Inappropriate Communication With a Child, also a Level 4 felony. He is currently being held without bond.
According to the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation remains active. Authorities have not released additional details about the location of the meeting or whether further charges are possible.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
The case may be of particular concern to parents and students who use social media platforms to communicate.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness. Follow us on Instagram & Facebook and support local independent news. Have a tip? Message us.
