Squatty Potty founder Robert “Bobby” Edwards indicted on federal child pornography charges after multi-year probe
The U. S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Utah announced Monday that 50-year-old Robert “Bobby” Edwards, the millionaire founder of the squatty potty, was indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of receipt of child pornography and arrested days later in Washington County, Utah. The development marks a significant turn in a multi-year investigation that prosecutors say began in 2021 and progressed through flagged payments, a November search of Edwards’ home and a federal indictment in February.
Squatty Potty founder, business origins and rise
Robert “Bobby” Edwards co-created and founded the Squatty Potty in 2011 with his mom, dad and brother. The idea reportedly grew out of medical advice given to his mother about raising the knees while on the toilet; Edwards fashioned a footstool with a cut-out to wrap around the toilet base. The family featured the product on television in 2012 and later pitched it on a national investment program, making a deal with investor Lori Greiner. The business saw rapid sales—$12. 3 million within three months of that appearance—and a later marketing campaign featuring a mascot named Dookie the unicorn amassed tens of millions of views. The brand was sold in 2021; sale figures appearing in public records differ, with one figure cited as $19 million and another cited as $30 million. One purchaser was named in public filings, and corporate records showed millions of stools sold in subsequent years.
Indictment, arrest and court proceedings
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Feb. 10 and Edwards was arrested on Feb. 12 in Washington County, Utah. He pleaded not guilty at his initial court appearance and was ordered held without bail by Judge Paul Kohler in St. George. A federal judge remanded him to the custody of the U. S. Marshal Service; a court hearing is scheduled for March 2 at the St. George Courthouse. The U. S. Attorney’s Office announced these actions Monday as the case moves through federal court.
Allegations from the investigation
Prosecutors say the investigation began in 2021 when an undercover FBI agent joined a group chat used to trade child sexual abuse material. In one session, the agent followed a posted link into a virtual meeting room where a shared screen displayed videos alleged to depict the sexual abuse of children. Meeting participants were visible; prosecutors say one user later identified as Edwards appeared in the room. Investigators traced a Zoom account labeled "B E" to Edwards and identified his presence at times by live camera images and at other times by a profile picture.
In May 2025, payment activity drew further scrutiny when four transactions tied to Edwards’ account were flagged as possibly related to child sexual abuse material. Those transactions were traced to a man in the United Kingdom named John Carver, who was later arrested and ultimately convicted in connection with the distribution of such material and alleged blackmail of buyers. Public case material states that the U. K. -based seller advertised illicit content on a messaging platform and used payment links followed by delivery links for purchased files; some distribution allegedly occurred during online meetings like the 2021 session.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant on Nov. 4, 2025 at Edwards’ residence and property. Investigators say they found a cell phone in Edwards’ vehicle that contained multiple videos and images alleged to depict child sexual abuse material, some of which were downloaded onto the phone roughly two weeks before the warrant. Additional images and electronic devices with files and messages discussing the materials were reportedly found in the home. In one chat excerpt included in public filings, Edwards allegedly wrote that he preferred images of children aged 5 and older; prosecutors included that message as part of their case file.
Statements, prior legal issues and community ties
Public filings note Edwards told investigators he had no recollection of viewing child pornography and that he had been addicted to methamphetamine, was receiving treatment and had been living off funds from the sale of Squatty Potty plus some Bitcoin. In a separate, unrelated matter, Edwards pleaded guilty to drug-related felony offenses in Utah’s 5th District Court in November 2023 and enrolled with a private probation company for two years of supervision.
Edwards has also been identified in public materials as a figure in his local arts community. He helped launch the Kayenta Center for the Arts in 2011 and served as its first director. People affiliated with him expressed shock in the wake of the indictment; some described themselves as devastated by the allegations in public statements shared with reporters.
Next hearings and potential developments
Edwards remains in federal custody and is being held without bail. The indictment, the Feb. 12 arrest, the Nov. 4, 2025 search actions, the flagged payment transactions in May 2025 and prior investigative steps are all part of the public record now moving through federal court. The March 2 hearing at the St. George Courthouse is the next scheduled court event; recent updates indicate the case is developing and further details may evolve as proceedings continue.
