Utah Billionaire Arrested for Child Pornography Charges
This week, federal prosecutors revealed that Robert Edwards, the billionaire behind the “Squatty Toilet,” has been arrested on allegations of acquiring child pornography.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Utah announced on Monday that a grand jury has indicted Edwards, 50, from Ivins, Utah, for “knowingly receiving multiple images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).”
This indictment is quite a shock, especially considering Edwards’ past success as an entrepreneur with a well-known product that gained popularity in the wellness industry over ten years ago.
Edwards and his mother, Judy, famously pitched the Squatty Toilet on Shark Tank in 2015, which ended up being a major success.
In 2021, Atelian Co., Ltd. acquired the patented device from him for $19 million in cash, continuing to market it in various models protected by U.S. patents.
According to statements from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, an undercover FBI agent took on a false identity in March 2021, joining a group chat where child sexual abuse materials were being shared. During these online meetings, Edwards was identified as a participant.
As per court documents, the investigation proceeded, and by May 2025, FBI agents allegedly discovered that Edwards had purchased additional child sexual abuse materials via his PayPal account, with four transactions flagged as suspicious.
Last November, law enforcement executed a search warrant, obtaining Edwards’ cellphone from his vehicle, which contained multiple videos and images linked to child sexual abuse, according to prosecutors.
They also found additional devices and files related to child sexual abuse material at his home.
Authorities reported that Edwards was arrested in Washington County just two days after the grand jury indictment on February 10. He faces charges of receiving child pornography.
Edwards has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail as he awaits a court appearance in St. George.
In 2011, he co-founded Squatty Potty to address his mother’s constipation issues, impressing investor Lori Greiner on Shark Tank.
The product was highlighted by Forbes in 2016 as one of the top ten businesses featured on the show, generating $18.7 million in revenue in 2015, making it one of the most profitable ventures.
This success elevated the Edwards family’s financial status to millionaire status.
He is scheduled for another court appearance on March 2nd for a detention hearing.
