Undercover sting targets alleged predators in Columbus

(COLUMBUS, Ind.) – An undercover child sex offender sting in Columbus led to the arrest of five men. 

The investigation was led by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force and involved federal, state and local law enforcement agencies who worked undercover to target alleged predators. 

“These five individuals traveled wover 400 miles total, believing they were going to have sexual contact with minors in Columbus,” said Bartholomew County Sheriff, Chris Lane.

Investigators say they used a variety of social media platforms to intercept the suspects.

Bartholomew County Prosecutor Lindsey Holden said the collaboration between law enforcement agencies was instrumental to the investigations. 

“The agencies involved in this operation are very committed to keeping our kids safer in a world where technology can make them more vulnerable,” she said. 

Each suspect has been charged with child solicitation and have been identified as:

• 48-year-old Matthew Bruce Ciske of Richmond

• 49-year-old Andrew Rodger Donat of Indianapolis

• 48-year-old David Todd Hahn of Mt. Washington, Kentucky 

• 37-year-old Luis Ernesto Nunez Machuca of  Streamwood, Illinois 

• 49-year-old Nathan Todd Jones of Thorntown, Indiana