VALPARAISO | A couple of jurors looked away and another grimaced as they were shown the images of an adult sexually abusing a child that are at the heart of this week's trial involving Center Township resident Ryan Schroeder.
Porter County Deputy Prosecutor Cheryl Polarek used a large flat screen television to show further images of individuals secretly photographed in a lockerroom and in a toilet stall, as well as a photo of a drawer of stolen women's underwear.
The images were taken at the direction of Schroeder, 27, who faces six counts of aiding in child molesting, seven counts of aiding in child exploitation, one count of aiding in theft, seven counts of possession of child pornography and two counts of aiding in voyeurism, Polarek said.
Polarek said several women, each whom believed they were Schroeder's girlfriend, will testify this week that they either molested children and took photographs or videos for Schroeder, or carried out other sexual activities out of fear or to keep Schroeder in their lives.
Defense attorney Matt Soliday said the only thing his client is guilty of is reporting the child pornography he received from one of the women, Tara Tryon, 22, who then placed the blame on him.
"The only evidence is going to be her word," Soliday said.
Soliday challenged the reliability of the women, pointing out that a couple are hoping their cooperation will help their own criminal cases stemming from the molestations.
"What you're going to hear this week is something out of a Jerry Springer Show," Soliday said.
The first witness to testify Monday was LaPorte County Sheriff Detective Jen Rhine-Walker, who said an anonymous individual called her Oct. 20, 2011, and then mailed her a digital memory card containing images that included a woman and young child fondling and performing oral sex on each other.
The anonymous caller later identified herself and Schroeder, saying Schroeder asked her turn over the images, Rhine-Walker said.
Polarek said Schroeder, who was in the Navy at the time and stationed in Florida, turned over the images after Tryon broke up with him.
Soliday said Schroeder, who agreed to have his identity released to police, will take the stand later in the week.
"He's going to tell you what happened," he said.
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