Content warning: This article describes child sexual abuse. Please take care while reading.
The co‑founder of the viral bathroom product Squatty Potty has been indicted on federal child pornography charges. If this sounds familiar, it’s similar to the Jared Fogle scandal, the former Subway pitchman, also brought down by a child sex abuse case.
Robert Edwards, 50, was arrested in Washington County, Utah, after a multi‑year investigation by federal law enforcement officials. Edwards, who gained national prominence after pitching the Squatty Potty on ABC’s “Shark Tank” in 2014, was indicted by a grand jury on Feb. 10, 2026, on one count of receipt of child pornography.
He was taken into custody two days later and has pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah. He remains in federal custody and is scheduled for a detention hearing on March 2, 2026, in St. George, Utah.
What happened to Robert Edwards?
The investigation leading to Edwards’ arrest began in March 2021 when an undercover FBI agent joined an online group chat used to trade child sexual abuse material (CSAM). According to investigators, during one session in which videos were streamed on a shared screen, a participant later identified as Edwards participated.
In May 2025, federal agents flagged several PayPal transactions tied to Edwards’ account as possibly related to CSAM (child sexual abuse material) purchases. These suspicious transactions helped build probable cause, authorities said.
In November 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Edwards’ home and vehicle, seizing electronic devices. Prosecutors say multiple videos and images of child sexual abuse material were found on his cell phone and other gadgets, some allegedly downloaded as recently as two weeks before the search.
Court documents also include a troubling exchange in which Edwards is purported to have written in a chat: “Hey brother, I’d love to perv but into most all just not into babies. 5+ is preferred,” according to The Salt Lake Tribune.
Who is Robert Edwards, and what is Squatty Potty?
Edwards co‑founded the Squatty Potty brand in 2011 with his mother, Judy Edwards. The simple plastic stool — designed to help users align the body in a more natural position for bowel movements — became a breakout success after the duo appeared on “Shark Tank” and struck a deal with investor Lori Greiner.
The product went viral and turned the Edwards family into multimillionaires, with the company selling millions of units and being acquired by Aterian Inc. in 2021 for roughly $19 million. Aterian has since distanced itself from Edwards, saying he no longer has any role in, or association with, the company.
Fogle, the former Subway spokesman, also had a rapid rise to fame, which was overshadowed by his 2015 conviction on child pornography and child sex abuse charges.
Edwards remains detained without bail. If convicted, he could face years in prison under federal sentencing guidelines. Edwards’ first hearing is set for March 2, when a judge will consider whether Edwards should remain in custody as the case proceeds.
Published: Feb 26, 2026 10:01 am