Federal Authorities Indict Former Teacher for Pornography
Julian Wachner now faces five federal charges involving child pornography following a state case.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Sex Crimes
Federal prosecutors have indicted former Indianapolis teacher Julian Wachner on five charges related to child pornography. Wachner is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following a 2025 arrest.
Why it matters
The federal indictment follows a previous state court case where Wachner received a sentence of probation for similar offenses. He could now face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Wachner faces four counts of receipt and one count of possession of child pornography. He is currently held in federal custody with an initial appearance scheduled for Oct. 22, 2026.
The players
Julian Wachner
The defendant is a former fourth-grade teacher at Invent Learning Hub who faces new federal charges.
U.S. Marshals Service
This federal law enforcement agency is responsible for taking the defendant into custody.
Jeffrey Marchal
The judge oversaw the defendant's previous state court case in Marion Superior Court.
The details
Wachner previously pleaded guilty in Marion Superior Court in September 2026 to charges involving child sex abuse material and cocaine possession, for which he was sentenced to probation. He formerly worked as a fourth-grade teacher at the Invent Learning Hub.
Timeline
2022: Wachner left his role at Trinity Church.
2025: Wachner was arrested and charged in state court.
September 2026: Wachner pleaded guilty in Marion Superior Court.
October 21, 2026: Federal indictment filed in district court.
October 22, 2026: Initial federal court appearance scheduled.
Legal Context
The federal indictment highlights the disparity between state probation outcomes and the federal sentencing guidelines for child pornography offenses. This transition from state to federal prosecution reflects a broader trend of utilizing federal resources to address severe sex crimes.
Residents may see increased oversight or inquiries regarding the past employment history of the defendant. Safety advisories remain focused on the institutional history of the Invent Learning Hub.
The takeaway
The move to federal court significantly increases the potential legal consequences for the defendant compared to his state court sentence. The case underscores how federal authorities may intervene after initial state proceedings conclude.
Further reading
Learn more about local investigations in Indianapolis Sex Crimes.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indystar.
