A Valparaiso man faces numerous child pornography and child exploitation charges following an Indiana State Police investigation. Michael Tichenor Jr., 33, is accused of contacting juvenile boys through popular social media sites and having inappropriate sexual interactions with them.He also traded nude images with them, according to investigators.
Tichenor was arrested yesterday after officers executed a search warrant at his Valparaiso home. He’s charged with eight counts of child pornography as a Level 6 felony and two counts of child exploitation as a Level 5 felony.
Investigators with the ISP Crimes Against Children Unit urge parents to talk to their children about online dangers, spend time with them online and learn about their favorite websites. The computer should be kept in a common room where it is visible to a parent or other household member. Parental controls provided by an Internet service provider or offered through blocking software should be used as well. Parents are also advised to randomly check their child’s online accounts and email.
Officers stress a child is a victim if he or she is involved in any form of sexual exploitation and is not at fault. Parents should contact their local police department immediately.
