COLUMBUS, Ind. – A local man was taken into custody after the Columbus Police Department (CPD) received a tip Friday morning about a man allegedly sending pornographic images of a child, as well as descriptions of criminal sexual acts involving a child, on a social media site.
Several detectives from the CPD Criminal Investigations Division were assigned to the case and began collecting evidence which led them to Nicholas Duane Hickman, 39, of Columbus. A search warrant was also served and additional evidence was seized by investigators.
After investigators interviewed the suspect, he was arrested on preliminary felony charges of child exploitation and sexual battery. Hickman is currently being held at the Bartholomew County Jail without bond on a 48-hour hold.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Columbus Police Department at 812-376-2600. Tips and information can be left anonymously.
