Celina man arrested during Indiana online child-solicitation investigation

NOBLESVILLE, INDIANA — A Celina man has been arrested following an undercover online investigation conducted by the Noblesville Police Department in Indiana.

Police identified the man as 39-year-old Dean A. Hittle. He was arrested October 15 and transported to the Hamilton County Jail on a preliminary charge of child solicitation, a Level 4 felony under Indiana law.

Investigators said specially trained detectives posed online as juveniles between the ages of 13 and 15. Police allege Hittle continued communicating after being told he was interacting with someone underage and later arranged an in-person meeting.

The investigation was conducted between October 13 and 15 and resulted in five arrests.

Formal charges had not been filed at the time of the initial report. The charge against Hittle is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.