Jasper PD Assists in Federal Case That Results in 24-Year Sentence for Child Exploitation

Local investigation sparks multi-agency effort and successful federal prosecution

The Jasper Police Department played a key role in a federal child exploitation case that has resulted in a 24-year prison sentence for an Indiana man. According to a press release from Jasper Police Chief Garrett Foster, the investigation began in June 2022 after Jasper PD was alerted to inappropriate online communication between a juvenile from Jasper and an adult male on a gaming platform.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Tristan Kalobbe Martin of Indiana, continued to engage with the minor even after being told they were 15 years old. The investigation revealed the exchange of explicit material, leading to a coordinated effort between Jasper PD, the FBI, and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana.

Martin was sentenced to 293 months in federal prison for the production of child pornography. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat online child exploitation.

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Below is the full statement released by Chief Foster:

The Jasper Police Department announces the successful sentencing of a man involved in the production of child pornography, following a joint investigation involving local, state, and federal agencies. Tristan Kalobbe Martin, 29, of Indiana, was sentenced to 293 months (over 24 years) in federal prison for the production of child pornography, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas.

In June 2022, investigators with the Jasper Police Department were alerted to inappropriate communications between a juvenile resident of Jasper and an adult male encountered through an online gaming platform. The victim disclosed to the suspect that they were 15 years old; however, the suspect continued the relationship, which later led to the exchange of explicit material.

Upon confirming the suspect’s identity and location in Indiana, Jasper PD coordinated with the FBI and the Putnam County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Office to secure and execute a search warrant. The suspect’s mobile device was seized, and investigators located nine videos depicting the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

“This case is a powerful example of what can be accomplished through swift reporting, coordinated investigation, and multi-agency collaboration.” “Protecting children remains one of our top priorities, and we will continue to work aggressively with our law enforcement partners to ensure offenders are brought to justice.”

This investigation was part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. The program unites federal, state, and local agencies to locate, apprehend, and prosecute those who exploit children online, and to rescue victims from harm.

For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.