DATE: March 26, 2023
SUBJECT: Child Solicitation Arrest
RELEASE NUMBER: 2023-NR-0326
CONTACT: Lt. Doug Daza
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 26 year-old Evansville man on a
felony charge of Child Solicitation. The arrest is the result of an investigation that began
when deputies were called to the CVS at 5120 Weston Rd for a report of Disorderly Conduct.
Upon arrival, deputies spoke with members of an organization called Predator Catchers
Incorporated (PCI). This organization is based in Indianapolis, IN and it’s members pose as
underage children on various social media sites. If contacted by adults, they will interact online or through
apps to see if these conversations lead to the solicitation of sexual acts or other crimes
against children. These conversations are documented and any in-person encounters, in which
the adult attempts to meet with the juvenile for the purpose of engaging in sexual behavior, are
video recorded. Several members of PCI will then confront the offender and record any
incriminating statements or behavior with the primary goals being the arrest and prosecution of the
offender.
On March 24th, members of PCI began a conversation with the suspect, Erik William Fischer, on
a social media application called Whisper. Fischer was told that he was having a conversation
with a 14 year-old girl named “Maddie”. The initial conversation progressed to the point
where Fisher stated that he wanted to “hook-up” with “Maddie.” Fischer then blocked
“Maddie” on the app. On March 25th, Fischer unblocked her and restarted the conversation.
During the course of this conversation, Fischer suggested that they have sex and a meeting at
the CVS was planned.
On March 25th, in the late evening hours, Fischer came to the CVS as planned and was
confronted by members of PCI who recorded their interaction. This confrontation led to
deputies being dispatched to the scene. Fischer was identified, but he was not immediately
arrested until Sheriff’s Office detectives were contacted and began an investigation. This investigation led to
Fischer being brought to the Sheriff’s Operations Center. He was interviewed and gave a voluntary
statement in which he admitted to engaging in a conversation with “Maddie” who he believed
was a 14 year-old girl. He also admitted that his intention was to have sex with “Maddie.”
Fischer was arrested and charged with Child Solicitation, a Level 4 Felony. He was placed in
the Vanderburgh County Jail where he will be held without bond pending a hearing.
ARRESTED: Erik William Fischer, 26 years old, Evansville, IN
Presumption of Innocence Notice: The fact that a person has been arrested or charged with a crime is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law.
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