Monticello man arrested on child exploitation charges after multistate investigation

WHITE COUNTY, Ind. — A 47-year-old Monticello man faces multiple felony charges following an investigation that began with the Boise Police Department in Idaho.

Indiana State Police said detectives were notified in March 2026 that a suspect in a Boise investigation was living within the Lafayette District.

Investigators obtained a search warrant for electronic devices belonging to the suspect. An examination of those devices led detectives to believe the man possessed child sexual abuse material, according to state police.

The White County Sheriff’s Office arrested Michael Gilbert, 47, on Nov. 9 without incident.

Gilbert faces the following charges:

• Promotion of child sexual trafficking, a Level 3 felony
• Child exploitation, a Level 4 felony
• Multiple counts of child exploitation and possession of child sexual abuse material, Level 5 felonies
• Two counts of dissemination of matter or conducting a performance harmful to minors, Level 6 felonies
• Obscene performance, a Class A misdemeanor

Indiana State Police credited the Boise Police Department, White County Sheriff’s Office and White County Prosecutor’s Office for their assistance with the investigation.

Questions about Gilbert’s arrest should be directed to the White County Sheriff’s Office. Questions about the original investigation should be directed to the Boise Police Department.