A Mulberry man was charged with possession of child exploitation materials and a controlled substance yesterday after a heavy law enforcement presence was reported in the Mulberry area.
On April 3, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office, Tippecanoe County High Teach Crime Unity, Mulberry Police Department, Frankfort Police Department and Clinton County Regional SWAT Team were reported to be in the Mulberry area by numerous community members. According to authorities, the crews were serving a search warrant in the 300-Block of North Main Street in Mulberry following an investigation into a Mulberry man that uncovered crimes related to the exploitation of children.
The case against Matthew Friend, 46, of Mulberry was a result of an extensive investigation by the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division that revealed that Friend was involved in child exploitative actions through anonymous computer networks.
Following the serving of the search warrant, Friend was taken into custody under the proposed charges of possession of child exploitation materials, level 5 felony, possession of a controlled substance, class A misdemeanor, and possession of paraphernalia, class C misdemeanor.
Authorities report that official charges are pending review by the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office as of Thursday morning.
The investigation is reported to continue and further charges may be considered by the investigative team, which will be determined upon receipt of computer forensics technology.
Authorities have issued a reminder that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.