Charges are related to a 2021 traffic stop
By SYDNEY KENT
After jury deliberations lasting until past 10 p.m. Tuesday evening, a Fort Wayne man was found guilty on all sixteen charges against him related to the sexual solicitation, misconduct, and promotion of trafficking of a minor.
Brian Randy Vanauken, 41, was found guilty on three counts of child molesting, all Level 1 felonies, one count of promotion of sexual trafficking, a Level 3 felony; one count of sexual misconduct with a minor, a Level 4 felony; six counts of child solicitation, all Level 4 felonies; and five counts of child solicitation, all Level 5 felonies.
The charges are related to a traffic stop from July of 2021 when Bluffton police officer Bradley Carlson pulled over a black BMW after noticing the vehicle was weaving within its lane.
Carlson spoke with the male driver, whom he discovered was not legally old enough to operate the vehicle. Vanauken was reportedly the passenger in the front seat of the car.
The victim and Vanauken were separated for questioning, where officers discovered discrepancies and concerns with several answers to questions, such as how the two met.
Vanauken was held on a charge of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Upon his arrest, an officer found a small container of marijuana tucked in one of his socks. Because of that, he was also charged with possession of marijuana, a Class A misdemeanor.
Vanauken’s cell phone was seized and a search warrant was obtained for the phone where over 900 messages were discovered detailing a variety of sexual activities between the boy and Vanauken.
The investigation continued until February of 2022 when the case was opened as a new filing. A warrant was served to Vanauken on April 22, 2022. He bailed out approximately one month later after his request for a bond reduction was granted.
He was immediately taken into custody following the unanimous ruling.
Vanauken’s sentencing hearing was set for 8:30 a.m. June 28. More details to follow.
sydney@news-banner.com
