Hope Barker Photography

05/25/2026

Blessed Memorial Day.
Families, thank you for supporting the men a women who sacrificed for all of us.

04/27/2026

Who went to the Earth Day celebration at the Vigo County Public Library Friday?

My boy sure does love the honey! 🤣❤️

04/27/2026

I got over 20 reactions on one of my posts last week! Thanks everyone for your support! 🎉

04/10/2026

Fall Wedding Season booking has begun!

Where is your dream wedding location?

04/05/2026

He Is Risen!
He Is Risen, Indeed!

04/02/2026

Isabella and I are working on something summer-y! Stay tuned for a personalized session preview. 🤗

03/24/2026

I love how she is empowering us to help our community through these informative posts!
She has no time for "hating"on her competitor because she is busy helping our community. ❤️

Understanding Criminal Statutes and Child Solicitation in Indiana

Let me be clear: Prosecutors enforce the law—we do not write it. That responsibility belongs to the legislature.

Right now, Indiana law classifies most child solicitation cases as a Level 5 Felony, carrying a sentence of just 1–6 years (with an advisory sentence of 3 years). In some instances, the crime can be enhanced to a Level 4 Felony carrying a sentence of 2-12 years with an advisory sentence of 6 years).

Read that again.

In many cases involving adults attempting to s*xually exploit children, the maximum penalty we can pursue is 6 years—and often far less.

That is not because prosecutors are going easy. It’s because the law is.

Every prosecutor in my office has to read these reports. We see the messages. We see the intent. We are all parents, and it makes us sick to have to read these reports.

And we are often left working within sentencing ranges that simply do not reflect the seriousness of the crime.

Law enforcement and prosecutors across Indiana have been pushing for stronger penalties for years. Meanwhile, other lobbying groups continue to advocate for reduced sentences and softer criminal statutes.

So here’s the bottom line: if you are angry about this, contact your legislators!

The legislature decides what level these crimes are. The legislature decides the sentencing ranges. And the legislature will not act unless they hear from you.

Not just from lobbyists. Not just from organizations. From you.

If you believe that someone who solicits a child for s*x should face more than 1–6 years, say something.

Call your state representative. Email your state senator. Demand stronger laws.

Because until those laws change, prosecutors are limited in what we can do—no matter how serious or disturbing the case may be.

This isn’t a gray area.
This is about protecting children.

And right now, the law is not strong enough.