Published: June 30, 2009 06:03 pm      

Southern Indiana man charged with taking nude photos of boys

LANESVILLE — An Indiana man has been arrested and charged with several crimes against children, and police and prosecutors said there may be even more victims out there.

Joseph O. Sutherland, 20, was arrested Monday afternoon after an extensive investigation into allegations of child pornography.

Police said Sutherland used money and cigarettes to entice young boys in and around Lanesville to pose nude.

Harrison County prosecutor Dennis Byrd said so far, they know of three underage victims, but say there may be more.

The crimes go back as early as October of 2007.

According to court documents, a 15-year-old victim told Indiana State Police Detective Bill Wibbels that Sutherland asked to take naked pictures of him and his 13-year-old brother in May of this year.

Investigators said Sutherland told the boy he knew a person in Pennsylvania who would pay good money for the pictures.

The documents state that Sutherland admitted to police that he has previously received and transmitted child pornography from his computer in Harrison County.

Police recovered a notebook computer, digital cameras, a dozen CDs, a portable hard drive and thumb drives at Sutherland's residence. Police also took a gold belt and undergarments into evidence.

A piece of personal equipment was also retrieved from the new Middletown United Methodist Church, where Sutherland was a member and volunteer.

In a phone conversation, the pastor said, "Joe was very helpful at the church, and that he and everyone involved will be in their thoughts and prayers."

Police said there could be additional victims in this case. Victims or victim's guardians are encouraged to call Wibbels at 1-800-872-6743.— WLKY NEWSCHANNEL 32