Docs: Whiteland man arrested after sexually explicit images, messages with minors found on social media, phone

WHITELAND, Ind. –A Whiteland 19-year-old has been arrested after a series of cybertips led to sexually explicit messages and images involving minors being found on his phone.

According to court documents, Cayden Spurgeon was charged in Johnson County with:

• Two counts of child exploitation, each a Level 5 felony
• Two counts of possession of child pornography, each a Level 6 felony

In March 2025, eight cybertips were reportedly made at an IP address linked to Spurgeon. The content of the tips was classified as “online enticement of children for sexual acts” or “child pornography (possession, manufacture and distribution).”

Officials said this included messages on social media between Spurgeon and a minor. The court documents allege that Spurgeon demanded sexually explicit photos and videos from the minor.

The documents state that the messages found were allegedly sent under Spurgeon’s name, as well as under a pseudonym.

According to court documents, law enforcement officials searched Spurgeon’s home in mid-May. Officials then reportedly found Spurgeon’s phone, which included naked photos and sexually explicit messages with two minors.

At that time, Spurgeon was taken to the Johnson County Jail on unrelated charges. When law enforcement attempted to interview him, Spurgeon said that he wanted an attorney present.

According to court documents, Spurgeon’s initial hearing occurred on Thursday morning in Johnson County.