(ALLEN COUNTY) - A New Haven man already charged with soliciting children through an online virtual reality game is now facing additional criminal charges.
Court records show 24-year-old Austin Bower has been charged with three counts of misdemeanor public nudity after allegedly exposing himself to a neighbor's home security camera on three separate occasions last month. Investigators say the incidents occurred in view of a public roadway, where others could have seen the behavior. Video evidence was provided to police by the neighbor.
Bower was arrested and is currently being held in the Allen County Jail.
The new charges come while Bower is out on bond in a separate felony case. In that case, he faces two counts of child solicitation and dissemination of material harmful to minors. Prosecutors allege Bower used the virtual reality game "Rec Room" to communicate with children who identified themselves as young as 10 years old.
Police say the investigation began after receiving multiple cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. The tips included messages allegedly sent by Bower that encouraged sexual acts involving minors and family members, and in some cases included threats.
A separate tip tied to a PlayStation account also led investigators to Bower's home. Sony reportedly confirmed that a gaming console seized from the residence was permanently banned for child exploitation activity.
Bower has denied the allegations. He is scheduled to go to trial on the felony charges in August.
Anyone who suspects child exploitation is encouraged to contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-843-5678 or submit a report online.