DeMotte Man Charged After Alleged Online Solicitation Of 13-Year-Old
A 43-year-old DeMotte man, James David Bean, has been charged in Jasper Circuit Court after police say he arrived in the parking lot of a DeMotte CVS to meet a person he believed was a 13-year-old boy for sexual activity and was later found with suspected methamphetamine in his pocket.
According to court documents, a member of NWI Predator Catchers went to the DeMotte Police Department on November 14, 2025, and reported that he had been acting as a 13-year-old male decoy on the online application “Grinder” earlier that day. The decoy reported that a man identifying himself as “Jim,” age 43 from DeMotte, contacted him, sent photos of his face, and began a conversation.
The affidavit states the decoy confirmed to the man that he was also from DeMotte. “Jim” then texted, “You’re older than 18 correct?” The decoy replied “no,” according to the filing. The decoy showed officers a tablet containing the full message exchange.
During the conversation, “Jim” allegedly asked if the decoy could “host,” and the decoy replied that his “mother” was at work. When asked what they were going to do, “Jim” responded, “well i like to give oral and btm,” further explaining, “It means bottom, you in me.” When the decoy responded, “like sex?” “Jim” texted: “yes, like sex.”
The filing states the decoy then said he needed to hurry and get back because his mother was planning his “14th birthday party.” “Jim” allegedly replied “Peace” and “You’re 13.” The decoy confirmed it, according to the affidavit.
“Jim” then arranged to meet in the CVS parking lot in the 300 block of North Halleck Street in DeMotte, sending a photo of his black Chrysler 200 for identification. The decoy sent the final text, “I’m here.”
According to police, the decoy recorded video of the encounter. After the decoy walked inside the CVS, the man attempted to leave the parking lot. A DeMotte police officer activated lights and prevented the vehicle from exiting.
The driver was identified as James David Bean, 43, of DeMotte. Police wrote that Bean was “chuckling and shaking his head,” at one point stating, “I knew it.”
During a pat-down, officers found a cloth bag in Bean’s front left pocket. Bean reportedly told officers the bag contained “bad stuff.” Inside, police found one small clear baggie with a white crystal-like substance, 26 small empty baggies, and a glass pipe. Bean confirmed the substance was methamphetamine.
According to court documents, police interviewed Bean after he signed a Miranda waiver. Bean allegedly admitted he met the decoy on “Grinder,” knew the person was 13 years old, acknowledged the explicit conversation, and confirmed that they had planned to go to the child’s house to engage in sexual activity.
Charges filed November 18,2025:
• Child Solicitation – Level 4 Felony
• Child Solicitation – Level 5 Felony
• Possession of Methamphetamine (<5g) – Level 6 Felony
