INDIANAPOLIS — Court documents reveal what led to the arrest of an Indianapolis firefighter during a child solicitation sting in Johnson County.
According to court documents, an undercover detective from the Franklin Police Department created a fake profile on a dating website, pretending to be a 14-year-old girl named Brittany.
On Nov. 27, 2023, 45-year-old Carl Wemple, of New Palestine, allegedly contacted the fake account, during which the undercover detective said the person in the profile was 14 years old.
According to court documents, Wemple replied, "Geez my mind is in turmoil on this...on 1 hand I would love to keep talking and see what happens on the other I want to run."
Court documents say Wemple also sent the following messages to the girl he believed to be 14:
- "The side that wants to keep going is stronger than stop."
- "So what happens if you get pregnant with school and things."
- "But if you tell me your pregnant might find me asking you to marry me."
After more messages in which Wemple allegedly mentioned having sex with the girl, the two agreed to meet up at a home in Johnson County on Nov. 29.
According to court documents, the undercover detective asked Wemple to bring a Ring Pop with him as further evidence of the crime Wemple was going to commit.
Deputies took Wemple into custody after he arrived at the home.
Court documents say Wemple admitted to knowing the girl he thought he was talking to was 14 or 15 years old. After initially saying he only wanted to meet and talk with the girl face to face, Wemple allegedly said "he would have been fine" if things turned sexual with the underage girl.
Deputies then transported Wemple to the Johnson County Jail.
Prosecutors filed a formal charge of child solicitation on Jan. 8.
After his arrest, the Indianapolis Fire Department confirmed Wemple has been with IFD for 17 years and is suspended without pay, indefinitely, pending the outcome of his legal process.