(KENDALLVILLE) - A suspect has been arrested on a charge of child solicitation.
On Thursday at 1:54 PM the Kendallville Police Department were notified of a potential online child exploitation incident involving a man who believed he was communicating with a 14 year old girl.
Officers received information from a third-party group that had been communication with the individual and arranged to confront him within the City of Kendallville. Law enforcement responded accordingly and initiated an investigation.
On Friday, during the course of the investigation, the individual met with the Kendallville Police where he was advised of his Miranda Rights and agreed to speak with officers. During the interview, officers obtained consent to search his cell phone.
Based on the totality of circumstances, including information provided to law enforcement, evidence obtained from the cell phone and other information provided, officers established probable cause to believe that criminal offenses had been committed.
Police arrested Jason Purdy on preliminarily charge of child solicitation. He is being held in the Noble Cunty Jail, and his case is being reviewed by the Noble County Prosecutors Office.
The matter remains under investigation.