UTAH (Azat TV) – Robert Edwards, the entrepreneur widely known as the creator of the viral bathroom aid Squatty Potty, was arrested on February 12, 2026, in Washington County, Utah, following a federal grand jury indictment on February 10. Edwards, 50, faces charges of receipt of child pornography, according to the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Utah. His arrest and the serious nature of the allegations have drawn significant public attention, particularly given his past appearances on ABC’s Shark Tank and the widespread success of his product. Edwards has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and a detention hearing is scheduled for March 2, 2026.
The federal investigation, part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating child sex exploitation, outlined a series of alleged activities by Edwards. Prosecutors claim that between March 2021 and November 2025, Edwards knowingly received multiple images of child sexual abuse material. The investigation began in March 2021 when an undercover FBI agent joined an online group chat allegedly used for trading child sexual abuse material. Authorities stated that participants in this chat, including Edwards, viewed streamed videos containing such material.
Federal Investigation and Allegations Against Edwards
As the investigation progressed, FBI agents uncovered evidence suggesting Edwards attempted to purchase child sex abuse material through four PayPal transactions in May 2025, according to court documents cited by prosecutors. On November 4, 2025, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Edwards’ home in Ivins, Utah. During the search, agents reportedly found multiple videos and images of child sexual abuse material on his phone and other devices seized from the residence. Some of these materials were allegedly downloaded just two weeks prior to the search. In one message recovered by authorities, Edwards reportedly wrote, “Hey brother, Id love to perv but into most all jiust not into babies. 5+ is preferred.” When questioned, Edwards allegedly claimed he had no recollection of viewing child pornography and admitted to a methamphetamine addiction, per court documents.
Squatty Potty’s Rise to Fame and Company’s Response
Robert Edwards gained prominence after co-founding Squatty Potty in 2011 with his mother, Judy Edwards, to help her with constipation. The product, a plastic toilet stool designed to improve bowel movements by optimizing body alignment, quickly became a sensation. The mother-son duo successfully pitched the product on Shark Tank in 2014, securing a deal with investor Lori Greiner. By 2017, the company’s sales had soared to nearly $33 million, and it was valued at $175 million by 2020. In 2021, Aterian Inc. acquired the Squatty Potty company for an reported $19 million to $24.1 million.
Following Edwards’ indictment, Aterian Inc. swiftly issued a statement distancing itself from its former founder. The company clarified that it has “no affiliation, partnership, or ongoing relationship with Mr. Robert Edwards.” Aterian stated that Edwards was part of a group that sold the asset in 2021, and all associations with him and his family ceased upon the completion of that acquisition. “He is not an employee, a partner, or a stakeholder in our company,” the statement affirmed, adding, “We are deeply disturbed by the indictment against Edwards. The nature of these allegations is abhorrent and wholly inconsistent with our company’s values.” The company also confirmed that all historical references to the Edwards family had been removed from their website, asserting that they have no role in the brand’s present or future, Oxygen.com reported.
Upcoming Legal Proceedings for Robert Edwards
Edwards pleaded not guilty to the charges and was remanded to the U.S. Marshal Service. His detention hearing, where a judge will determine whether he should remain in custody pending trial, is scheduled for March 2, 2026. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Christopher Burton and is under investigation by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, according to Newsweek. The legal proceedings are expected to continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months, shedding further light on the allegations and their potential implications.
The swift and unequivocal response from Aterian Inc. highlights the severe reputational damage that can be inflicted on a brand when its founders face grave criminal charges, even years after their direct involvement has ceased.