Inventor of 'Squatty Potty' Charged with Child Pornography Possession

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A man from southern Utah who co-created the "Squatty Potty" toilet stool has been charged in federal court for allegedly obtaining videos and photos depicting the sexual abuse of children. Robert "Bobby" Edwards, 50, was indicted by a grand jury on charges of "receipt of child pornography" after an investigation by the FBI.

Why it matters

The charges against Edwards, a co-founder of a popular consumer product company, highlight the disturbing prevalence of child sexual abuse material online and the efforts by law enforcement to crack down on those who seek to obtain and distribute it.

The details

Prosecutors say the case began in 2021 when an undercover FBI agent joined a group chat that people use to trade "child sexual abuse material" (CSAM). Someone in the chat shared a link to a Zoom meeting, where a screen was being shared that showed child sexual abuse videos. Investigators determined that one of the participants, labeled "B E", was Edwards. In May 2025, investigators also discovered that Edwards had been making payments to a man in the United Kingdom who was later convicted of child pornography offenses. A search of Edwards' home and devices led to the discovery of pornographic videos and images of children, resulting in the charges.

• In 2021, an undercover FBI agent joined a group chat where child sexual abuse material was being traded.
• In May 2025, investigators discovered that Edwards had been making payments to a man in the UK who was later convicted of child pornography offenses.
• In November, police executed a search warrant on Edwards' home and belongings, leading to the discovery of child pornography on his devices.

What’s next

A federal judge in St. George has remanded Edwards to the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service, and he will face trial on the charges of receipt of child pornography.