A Warsaw man is facing charges of inappropriate communications with a child and battery on a law enforcement officer following an altercation with police Wednesday night.
Michael Anderson, 36, of 600 W. Pike St., Warsaw, is being held on $5,250 bond in the Kosciusko County Jail.
Warsaw police were contacted by an acquaintance of Anderson’s after that person complained about an “inappropriate chat” involving Anderson and minors on Facebook, according to a release from Warsaw Police Department.
Police reviewed the information and contacted Kosciusko County Prosecutor Daniel Hampton, who determined the material could result in criminal charges.
A search warrant was sought for Anderson’s phone and laptop.
While warrants were being prepared, police went to Anderson’s apartment to question him and obtain his devices. Officers asked Anderson where his phone was. A brief confrontation ensued during which Anderson pushed officers in an attempt to retrieve his phone from a bedroom.
This resulted in the charge of battery on a law enforcement officer, the release states.
A search warrant was obtained for the cellular device and laptop, which contained additional inappropriate conversations with minors, police allege. Anderson was taken to the Kosciusko County Jail where he was booked at 9:05 p.m. Wednesday.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed.
Anderson was working as a reporter for the Times-Union covering police and courts prior to his arrest.
Times-Union General Manager Gary Gerard said today the newspaper was unaware of Anderson’s alleged illegal activities and that his employment has been terminated.
