A Pierceton man has been arrested following an investigation by the Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

According to police, detectives arrested 63-year-old Claude Mullins on Tuesday, May 12, after serving a search warrant at a rural Pierceton home. The investigation began after a tip was received from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Mullins was booked into the Kosciusko County Jail on preliminary charges of possession of child pornography, a Level 5 felony; possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony; possession of marijuana, a Class B misdemeanor; and possession of paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor.

Police say the Indiana State Police was assisted by the Kosciusko County Prosecutor’s Office and the Howard County Sheriff’s Department.

The Indiana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigates cases involving child exploitation, online enticement, and child sexual abuse material across the state.