FBI seeking to identify other potential victims, specifically in Alaska and Indiana
An Eagle River man was arrested by the FBI Wednesday on criminal charges related to his alleged possession of child pornography and attempted coercion of a minor. According to court documents, Michael Koetter, 28, possessed child pornography depicting minors as young as toddlers. He also allegedly attempted to induce, entice, or coerce a minor to engage in sexually explicit behavior by seeking out girls under 12 years old that “have rates,” which is a term often used in the commercial sex industry referring to the price to perform sex acts or purchase sexually explicit images.
Koetter is charged with possession of child pornography depicting minors who have not attained 12 years of age, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2252A(a)(5)(b) and (b)(2), and attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §2422(b). If convicted, the defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI Anchorage Field Office is investigating the case. If anyone has information concerning Koetter’s alleged actions or may have encountered someone in person or online while in Alaska or Indiana using the name Michael Koetter or the username “sskies420,” please contact the FBI Anchorage Field Office at (907) 276-4441 or anonymously at tips.fbi.gov.
Representative Cash authors bill to protect special education students
State Rep. Becky Cash (R-Zionsville) during the 2024 legislative session is working to better protect Hoosier students in special education classrooms. Cash authored House Bill 1073, which if passed, would require school corporations to have electronic recording equipment in each designated special education classroom, seclusion area, sensory room, and time-out area by January 2025. The equipment would need to be active and recording when these areas are in use and stored for at least 60 days. Hoosier parents would also be empowered to request and review recorded video footage.
Cash said she authored the bill after having conversations with The Arc of Indiana, education officials, and parents in her district and across the state about concerns that schools are inaccurately reporting how often they use restraint and seclusion.
The bill would also require each school corporation to have a behavioral interventionist. Cash said these individuals primarily work with children who have autism, autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disabilities. They receive training in assisting students with social skills, help with motor control for repetitive movements and are trained to reduce disruptive behaviors in the classroom.
According to Cash, House Bill 1073 would also require the Indiana Commission on Seclusion and Restraint to look for ways to eliminate or reduce the use of time-out in its model restraint and seclusion plan. The commission drafts rules to limit the use of seclusion and restraint, and creates a model plan for schools to use.
Under current Indiana law, these interventions should be used rarely and only as a last resort in situations where the safety of students or others is threatened.
Monroe Lake Winter Exploration Hikes, January and February
Winter Exploration Hike series features off-trail hiking through lesser-known areas of Monroe Lake. These are exploratory in nature so there is no “set” path; There is a general route in mind, but plenty of freedom to veer off as things of interest catch our eyes. Hikers should be prepared for the possibility of rugged terrain, lack of formal toilet facilities, and lots of fun! Each hike lasts about 2 hours. These hikes are free but each is limited to 20 people (recommended for ages 12+).
- Wed, Jan. 24 at 1:30 p.m. (Kirks Ford – near Story): Sign up by Jan. 21 at bit.ly/weh-jan24-2024. *FULL (waitlist available at registration link)
- Wed, Feb. 7 at 1:30 p.m. (Allens Creek SRA): Sign up by Feb. 4 at bit.ly/weh-feb7-2024. *FULL (waitlist available at registration link)
- Wed, Feb. 21 at 1:30 p.m. (Friendship Lane): Sign up by Feb. 18 at bit.ly/weh-feb21-2024. *FULL (waitlist available at registration link)
Indiana State Police Summer Camps accepting registration
Indiana Troopers Youth Services recently announced the dates for their 2023 ISP Summer Camps. Email itysinfo@trooper.org, call 1-317-951-3882, or visit trooper.org for more information. Those interested in the Anderson Cadet Camp should email IYCLEA.cadet@gmail.com.
Pioneer Camps (ages 11-14, by recommendation only)
- Mounds Park Camp: June 12-15
- Lincoln Pioneer Camp: June 19-22
- Mollenhour Camp: June 26-29
Law Camps (sixth, seventh and eighth grade)
- Anderson Law Camp: June 25-28
- Columbus Law Camp: July 9-13
Career Camps (high school)
- Vincennes Career Camp: June 25-30
- Trine Career Camp (Angola): July 9-14
- Anderson Cadet Camp: July 16-22
Shield Project (college)
- Anderson College: June 8-11
This Week in Hoosier History
1948 – Jerry Ross, American Air Force officer and NASA astronaut, born in Crown Point. Ross is a veteran of 7 Space Shuttle missions, making him the joint record holder for most spaceflights/ His papers, photographs, and many personal items are in the Barron Hilton Flight and Space Exploration Archives at Purdue University. He was inducted into the Astronaut Hall of Fame during ceremonies in May 2014. Ross is the author of Spacewalker: My Journey in Space and Faith as NASA’s Record-Setting Frequent Flyer (Purdue University Press, 2013) with John Norberg.
For more local news . . . Check out our archived episodes of What’s Happenin’ and Talkin’ Sports with Nick Jenkinson