A Terre Haute man is facing felony allegations after police say he exchanged sexually explicit messages with an undercover detective posing as a 15-year-old girl and later arrived at a predetermined location to meet her.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Vigo County Superior Court Division 6, a Terre Haute Police Department Detective alleged that Joseph Kuzmission committed child solicitation, a Level 4 felony, and attempted possession of child pornography, a Level 6 felony.

The investigation began as part of an undercover operation in which the detective posed online as a 15-year-old female. According to the affidavit, an undercover post was made on a website on Aug. 26, and Kuzmission allegedly contacted the undercover phone shortly after noon that day.

Investigators allege the conversation continued into Aug. 27, when Kuzmission asked when the person he believed to be a 15-year-old would be available. The undercover detective reportedly told him it would need to be after school and later explicitly told Kuzmission she was 15.

According to the affidavit, Kuzmission continued communicating after being told the purported girl’s age. Police allege the conversation became sexual, including questions and comments concerning sexual activity. The affidavit also alleges Kuzmission asked the undercover officer to send a nude photograph so he could see her before going to bed.

The conversations allegedly continued over the following days as the two discussed arranging an in-person meeting. Investigators said several potential dates and times were discussed before plans were eventually made to meet during the weekend of Sept. 5-6.

According to the affidavit, on Sept. 4 Kuzmission allegedly told the purported 15-year-old that he could pick her up or meet wherever she wanted. Police said the two eventually agreed to meet at a gas station near South Third Street and Margaret Avenue in Terre Haute.

On Sunday, Sept. 6, Kuzmission allegedly arrived at the gas station for the planned meeting. The affidavit states that shortly before he arrived, he again acknowledged that the person he expected to meet was 15 and referenced Indiana’s age of consent while allegedly discussing having sex after she turned 16.

Detectives reportedly observed a red Nissan SUV enter the parking lot and determined through its license plate that the vehicle belonged to Kuzmission. A THPD officer then pulled into the parking lot in a marked police vehicle, approached Kuzmission and detained him.

Police said Kuzmission had a red flip phone when he was detained. According to the affidavit, detectives called the number that had been communicating with the undercover phone, and Kuzmission’s phone began ringing. Investigators said this confirmed that the phone in his possession was the device involved in the undercover conversations.

Kuzmission was transported to the Terre Haute Police Department, where detectives interviewed him after advising him of his Miranda rights. According to the affidavit, Kuzmission agreed to speak without an attorney present and admitted participating in the conversations and arranging the meeting at the gas station.

According to local reporting Kuzmission was fired by the Vigo County School Corporation upon their notification of his arrest.

A probable cause determination is not a finding of guilt. The case will proceed through the Vigo County court system, where prosecutors would be required to prove any formally filed charges beyond a reasonable doubt.