Squatty Potty Inventor Charged with Child Porn Possession

Robert Edwards, the multimillionaire creator of the popular bathroom product, faces federal charges.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Authorities have arrested and jailed Robert Edwards, the 50-year-old multimillionaire creator of the 'Squatty Potty' bathroom product, for allegedly buying child pornography. Edwards was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this month on charges of 'knowingly receiving multiple images of child sexual abuse material (CSAM)'. The investigation began in 2021 when an undercover FBI agent found Edwards participating in an online chat group trading CSAM videos.

Why it matters

The case represents a stunning downfall for Edwards, whose Squatty Potty product became a runaway success after he and his mother pitched it on Shark Tank in 2015. The Squatty Potty company was later sold for $19 million, making Edwards a multimillionaire. This arrest raises concerns about the moral character of successful entrepreneurs and the need for rigorous background checks, especially for those involved in family-oriented consumer products.

The details

According to prosecutors, the investigation into Edwards began in March 2021 when an undercover FBI agent infiltrated an online chat group trading CSAM videos. Edwards was identified as a participant. In May 2025, the FBI learned that Edwards' PayPal account had been used to purchase additional child pornography. A search of Edwards' vehicle and home last November uncovered multiple devices containing CSAM files.

  • In March 2021, an undercover FBI agent joined an online chat group trading child sexual abuse material, where Edwards was identified as a participant.
  • In May 2025, the FBI learned that Edwards' PayPal account had been used to purchase additional child pornography.
  • In November 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant, seizing devices from Edwards' vehicle and home that contained child sexual abuse material files.

The players

Robert Edwards

The 50-year-old multimillionaire inventor of the Squatty Potty bathroom product, who has been charged with receipt of child pornography.

Judy Edwards

Robert Edwards' mother, who co-founded Squatty Potty with him and pitched the product on Shark Tank in 2015.

Lori Greiner

The Shark Tank investor who invested in Squatty Potty after Robert and Judy Edwards' pitch in 2015.

Aterian, Inc.

The company that purchased the Squatty Potty patent and brand from its founders for $19 million in 2021.

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What’s next

Edwards will return to court on March 2 for a detention hearing to determine if he will be granted bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need for greater scrutiny of the personal conduct of successful entrepreneurs, especially those involved in family-oriented consumer products. It raises concerns about the moral character of some business leaders and the potential risks to the public when their private actions are not properly vetted.