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Robert “Bobby” Edwards, the co-founder of the Squatty Potty brand, has been indicted on federal charges in Utah for allegedly receiving child sexual abuse material. The grand jury's indictment occurred on February 10, followed by his arrest two days later at his residence in Ivins, Utah. Investigators revealed that Edwards is accused of obtaining illegal images from March 2021 to November 2025. Prosecutors noted that an undercover FBI agent observed him in an online meeting in 2021 where videos depicting child sexual abuse were displayed prominently.

Further investigations uncovered additional purchases of illegal content in 2025 linked to his PayPal account. During a search of Edwards’ home on November 4, 2025, authorities discovered a phone in his vehicle containing numerous images and videos, some of which were downloaded just weeks prior to the search. More illegal content was reportedly found within the house, as per reports.

Edwards has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is currently in custody of the US Marshals Service, awaiting a detention hearing scheduled for March 2. Legal experts indicate that a first-time offender could face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison if convicted of possessing child pornography.

The Squatty Potty business was launched by Edwards and his family in 2011, inspired by a doctor's advice to his mother about the benefits of elevating the knees during toilet use to alleviate constipation. The product, a uniquely designed footstool, gained national recognition in 2012 after being featured on the show The Doctors. In 2014, they successfully pitched the product on Shark Tank, leading to a deal with an investor. Following this exposure, sales skyrocketed to $12.3 million within just three months. By 2020, the company's valuation reached an impressive $175 million, with its product history documented by the Washington County Historical Society.

In 2021, the Edwards family sold the company to Aterian, Inc. The new owners have stated that they had a one-time transaction with Edwards and currently have no affiliation with him. Following the indictment, Aterian removed any historical references to the Edwards family from its website and expressed their dismay regarding the allegations against him, emphasizing that he is not an employee, partner, or stakeholder, and that any claims of ongoing connections are inaccurate.