RUSHVILLE, Ind. — Philip Harr, 29, of Rushville, is federally charged with Sexual Exploitation of a Child and Distributing and Possessing Child Pornography.
Federal prosecutors say Harr posed as a teenage girl on social media to solicit photos and videos of at least two kids having sex. The victims were from Indiana and Mississippi. Harr is also accused of using social media to share and receive child pornography.
Court papers say Harr was engaging in these activities while on duty as a Rush Co. Special Sheriff’s Deputy and Rushville fireman. He was also employed by the Rush Co. government as a dispatcher and courtroom security officer.
Prosecutors say Harr used a police database to do searches for one of his victims.
A spokesperson for the Rush County Sheriff’s Department said, “Our department would like to thank everyone involved in this investigation. Officers worked tirelessly to bring charges against Mr. Harr and seek justice for his victims.”
Harr faces 15 to 30 years in prison if convicted on all counts.
(Photo provided by Brian A. Jackson/Thinkstock.)
