A New Albany Man Charged with Multiple Felony Offenses
Oct 19
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Overview of the Case
A New Albany man has been charged in Clark County with multiple felony offenses following an extensive investigation into allegations involving a juvenile victim.
Jonathan Lee Rodewig Jr., 23, faces a range of charges. These include six counts of rape (Level 3 Felony), promotion of child sexual trafficking (Level 3 Felony), child exploitation (Level 4 Felony), possession of child sexual abuse material (Level 5 and Level 6 Felonies), contributing to the delinquency of a minor (Class A Misdemeanor), possession of marijuana (Class B Misdemeanor), and false informing (Class B Misdemeanor).
Investigation Timeline
The investigation began in late August 2025 after Charlestown police responded to a report of a missing juvenile. The youth was later located arriving at the Charlestown Police Department in a vehicle driven by Rodewig. Officers detected the odor of marijuana and recovered evidence from the vehicle. Rodewig was initially taken into custody on charges of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and possession of marijuana.
Evidence Uncovered
Further investigation and multiple search warrants led detectives to uncover evidence of sexually explicit communications and videos involving the juvenile victim. Based on the findings, Detective Sergeant Trey A. Crace submitted a probable cause affidavit to the Clark County Prosecutor's Office, leading to the additional felony charges.
An arrest warrant was issued for Rodewig, who is currently in custody in another jurisdiction on unrelated but similar charges.
Protecting Victims
In compliance with Indiana law and to protect the privacy of the victim, authorities said no identifying information regarding the juvenile will be released. Law enforcement will not provide further details until judicial proceedings are complete.
“Protecting the most vulnerable members of our community is at the core of our mission,” said Detective Sergeant Crace. “This case demonstrates the ongoing dangers posed by online exploitation and the importance of swift reporting and cooperation between families, law enforcement, and our partner agencies.”
Call to Action
Charlestown police believe Rodewig may have victimized others who have not yet come forward. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim is urged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
The department also reminds parents and guardians to remain vigilant regarding their children's online activity and to report any suspected exploitation as soon as possible.
Understanding the Risks of Online Exploitation
Online exploitation is a growing concern in today’s digital age. Many children and teenagers use the internet daily, making them susceptible to various dangers. It is crucial for parents to educate their children about safe online practices.
Tips for Parents
Monitor Online Activity: Regularly check your child's online interactions. This includes social media, messaging apps, and gaming platforms.
Open Communication: Encourage your children to talk about their online experiences. Make sure they feel comfortable sharing any uncomfortable situations.
Set Boundaries: Establish rules for internet use, including time limits and acceptable websites.
Educate About Privacy: Teach your children the importance of keeping personal information private. They should never share their location, school, or other identifying details online.
Report Suspicious Behavior: If your child encounters any suspicious individuals or content, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately.
Resources for Support
If you or someone you know has been affected by online exploitation, there are resources available for support. Organizations dedicated to child safety can provide guidance and assistance.
For more information on how to protect your child from online dangers, visit National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
By staying informed and proactive, we can help safeguard our children from the risks associated with online exploitation.
