Terre Haute, IN – Two local men face multiple charges following a complex child pornography investigation in Vigo County.
On April 11, 2024, authorities including the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) section and the Terre Haute Police Department arrested Steven J. Ellis, 45, and Timothy W. Rudisel, 63, for allegedly possessing child pornography. The investigation, spearheaded by Detective Robert Whyte, revealed that both men shared illegal content with undercover officers.
According to the Indiana State Police, this multi-agency effort also involved the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Secret Service, and the Monroe County High Tech Crime Laboratory.
The investigation escalated with the execution of residential search warrants, leading to the discovery of devices containing child sex abuse material at the residences of both suspects. Ellis and Rudisel were subsequently detained and are currently held at the Vigo County Jail.
Ellis is charged with two counts, and Rudisel with ten counts of possession of child pornography, each depicting children under 12 years of age, classified as Level 5 Felonies. The Indiana ICAC Task Force continues to combat online child exploitation and urges the public to report any related suspicious activity to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
