Muncie man told police he was ‘addicted’ to child pornography: court documents

MUNCIE, Ind. – A Muncie man previously convicted of possessing child pornography allegedly told police officers he was addicted to pornographic images of children and immediately went back to the illegal material after his release from prison in 2023 have downloaded.

William D. Basler, 36, was arrested Monday at his Centennial Avenue apartment after police reportedly found more than 20 images of child pornography on his cell phone.

According to court documents, an acquaintance of Basler saw the pornographic images on the man’s phone, prompting him to call police and report the illegal material. Police searched Basler’s phone and reportedly discovered more than 20 images of child porn that featured both real children and images of children.

Basler was arrested for child pornography in May 2021 and sentenced in January 2022. After serving a prison sentence, Basler was released from custody on July 29, 2023, according to police.

Basler told police he didn’t give up on his old, illegal habits for long, however, and went right back to downloading child porn.

Balser reportedly told police he found child pornography “fascinating” and admitted he was an addict.

Basler was still on probation at the time of his arrest.

Basler was arrested on 20 preliminary counts of possession of child pornography. Final charges will be decided by the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office.