Gibson County – Friday morning, March 5, Indiana State Police arrested Patrick Ford, 30, and Kevin Smith, 60, both from Princeton, for Child Exploitation and Dealing Methamphetamine.

Indiana State Police initiated a criminal investigation in January after receiving information Ford had suspicious photos on his cellphone. During the investigation, Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Unit conducted a forensic exam of Ford’s cellphone and revealed videos and images of child pornography. Further investigation revealed Smith allegedly sent videos containing child pornography to Ford’s cellphone. Ford and Smith reside in the same residence located at 76 East CR 150 South, Princeton.

This morning at approximately 9:05, troopers executed arrest warrants and arrested Ford and Smith at their residence without incident. During a search of the residence, troopers found approximately 26 grams of methamphetamine, a legend drug, scales, baggies, and paraphernalia. They were both taken to the Gibson County Jail where they are currently being held on bond. This is an on-going investigation.

Arrested and Charges:

Patrick Ford, 30, 76 East CR 150 South, Princeton, IN

Child Exploitation-Child Pornography under the Age of Twelve, Level 4 Felony
Child Exploitation-Disseminates Child Pornography to Another Person, Level 4 Felony
Child Exploitation-Possession of Child Pornography, Level 5 Felony
Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony
Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Level 6 Felony

Kevin Smith, 60, 76 East CR 150 South, Princeton, IN

Child Exploitation-Child Pornography under the Age of Twelve, Level 4 Felony
Child Exploitation-Disseminates Child Pornography to Another Person, Level 5 Felony
Child Exploitation-Possession of Child Pornography, Level 6 Felony
Dealing Methamphetamine, Level 2 Felony
Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance, Level 6 Felony

Investigating Officers: Trooper Vennekotter and Detective Walden, Indiana State Police

The Indiana State Police Crimes Against Children Unit assisted in this investigation.

Assisting Officers: Trooper Lee, Trooper Campbell, Senior Trooper Finney, Trooper Rafferty, and Trooper Roberts

Assisting Agencies: Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Princeton Police