Charges Against “Squatty Potty” Creator
A billionaire known for inventing the “Squatty Potty” is facing federal charges in Utah for reportedly buying large amounts of child sexual abuse material, officials have stated.
Robert Edwards, 50, was taken into custody on allegations of obtaining and distributing numerous images depicting child sexual abuse from March 2021 to November 2025. This information was made public by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah on Monday.
The entrepreneur, who co-founded a specialized toilet stool aimed at making defecation easier, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 10. He was arrested in Washington County two days later.
According to reports, an undercover FBI agent joined a group chat in March 2021 where child sexual abuse materials were shared. This chat contained a space where participants, including a profile later identified as Edwards, viewed various disturbing content.
In May 2025, investigators uncovered potential purchases of additional materials through Edwards’ PayPal account, which had raised red flags due to four suspicious transactions.
Later in November, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Edwards’ home and seized a cell phone from his vehicle. They asserted that this phone “contained multiple videos and images of child sexual abuse,” some of which had been downloaded just weeks prior.
Authorities also claimed to have found even more files at Edwards’ residence following the seizure of additional devices.
Edwards plead not guilty to the charges of receiving child pornography during his initial court appearance, where he was ordered to be held without bail by St. George Judge Paul Kohler.
He co-created Squatty Potty in 2011, spurred by his mother Judy’s struggle with constipation. Their pitch on “Shark Tank” gained traction, particularly with investor Laurie Greiner, propelling the family into the millionaire bracket.
As reported, this product has turned the Utah family into financial success stories. Edwards is set to return to court for a detention hearing on March 2.
