North Vernon man arrested for child molestation, numerous state/federal charges after lengthy investigation

NORTH VERNON, Ind. - The Jennings County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) announced on Thursday afternoon, March 19, the culmination of a 3-month detailed investigation that resulted in both state and federal criminal charges against a North Vernon man.

Detectives initiated an investigation on January 27 after receiving a report of voyeurism involving digital recording devices allegedly discovered inside a residential bathroom.

The suspect, Joshua Wagers, 45, was located in a vehicle in Vernon and pulled over. During the traffic stop, several multimedia devices were seized as part of the investigation.

He was arrested on a preliminary charge of Voyeurism and later posted bond.

As the investigation progressed, detectives were granted multiple search warrants for various electronic storage devices. A comprehensive forensic analysis of those devices supposedly revealed thousands of images and videos containing Child Sexual Abuse Material.

Over the next several weeks, JCSO reviewed, classified, and documented this material to ensure proper case preparation for prosecution.

Due to the volume of evidence and the nature of the offenses, the FBI was contacted. A joint investigation between JCSO and the FBI resulted in the filing of formal charges at both the state and federal levels.

On March 10, additional search warrants were executed, along with a federal arrest warrant for Joshua Wagers at a residence in Montgomery Township. Wagers was taken into custody and transported to the Floyd County Jail, where he is being held pending his initial appearance in Federal Court in New Albany.

All victims associated with the investigation have been identified and notified.

Formal State Charges Filed Include:

• Child Molesting – Level 4 Felony (2 counts)
• Child Exploitation – Level 5 Felony (2 counts)
• Voyeurism – Level 6 Felony
• Performing Sexual Conduct in the Presence of a Minor – Level 6 Felony
• Sexual Battery – Level 6 Felony (2 counts)
• Battery by Bodily Waste – Class B Misdemeanor

The suspect is being held without bond. This investigation remains active.