Squatty Potty Founder Arrested on Child Pornography Charges After FBI Investigation
Robert Edwards, the 50-year-old entrepreneur who built a $175 million bathroom empire with his “Squatty Potty” invention, now faces federal charges for allegedly purchasing and receiving child pornography over a four-year period.
The allegations are as disturbing as they are extensive. Edwards stands accused of knowingly receiving multiple images of child sexual abuse material on numerous occasions between March 2021 and November 2025, according to federal prosecutors.
Edwards entered a not guilty plea during his initial court appearance on February 12. His detention hearing is scheduled for March 2.
FBI Investigation Uncovers Troubling Evidence
An undercover FBI agent identified Edwards as a participant in a group chat where he allegedly viewed a collection of child sexual abuse material videos in March 2021. This marked the beginning of a years-long investigation into his activities.
The case intensified in May 2025 when investigators suspected Edwards of purchasing additional child sexual abuse material through his PayPal account. This financial trail proved critical to building the prosecution’s case.
When officers executed search warrants, they allegedly discovered multiple videos and images of child pornography on a cell phone recovered from Edwards’ vehicle. Additional illicit material was reportedly found on personal electronic devices seized from his residence.
From Shark Tank Success to Federal Indictment
Edwards launched Squatty Potty in 2011, marketing the specialized footstool designed to improve bowel movements through ergonomic positioning. The product seemed innocuous enough—a simple bathroom aid that promised health benefits.
His big break came in 2014 when he appeared on the hit show “Shark Tank” alongside his mother. The pitch worked. Investor Lori Greiner saw potential and provided backing that would help transform the modest invention into a household name.
But not everyone was convinced. Barbara Corcoran’s instincts during that original pitch now seem eerily prescient. “There’s something about you that I’m not believing,” she told Edwards on camera. “I trust your mom … but you’re hopping and weaving a lot. And it’s making me more nervous as I listen.”
Building an Empire While Living a Lie
The suspicions didn’t slow Edwards’ business success. By 2020, when he and his mother returned to “Shark Tank” for an update segment, they revealed staggering numbers: $175 million in sales since their first appearance.
Edwards capitalized on this momentum by selling Squatty Potty to consumer product company Aterian in 2021. He walked away from the deal a wealthy man, having successfully monetized what started as a simple bathroom innovation.
According to his profile on Southern Utah Cares, Edwards is “partnered” to a man and serves as a “co-parent” to four children. These details make the allegations all the more disturbing.
Company Scrambles to Distance Itself
Aterian moved quickly to sever any perceived connection with Edwards following his arrest. Their statement left no room for ambiguity.
“Aterian has no affiliation, partnership, or ongoing relationship with Mr. Robert Edwards,” the company declared. They emphasized that Edwards was merely part of a group that sold specific assets in a “one-time transaction” in 2021.
The company stressed that “all associations with Edwards and his family ceased” following that acquisition. “He is not an employee, a partner, or a stakeholder in our company. Any claims to the contrary are categorically false.”
Aterian characterized itself as “deeply disturbed by the indictment” and called the allegations “abhorrent and wholly inconsistent with our company’s values.” They’ve already scrubbed historical references to the Edwards family from their website.
The Serious Nature of These Charges
Federal child pornography charges carry severe consequences. Receipt of child pornography is a federal felony that typically carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison, with potential sentences extending up to 20 years.
The multi-year timeframe of the alleged offenses—from 2021 through 2025—suggests a pattern of behavior rather than an isolated incident. The involvement of financial transactions through PayPal indicates premeditation and active seeking of this illegal material.
These are not charges prosecutors bring lightly. The FBI dedicates substantial resources to investigating child exploitation, and cases typically proceed only when evidence is overwhelming.
A Cautionary Tale
Edwards built his fortune selling a product designed to help people. He presented himself as a family man and successful entrepreneur. He achieved the American dream—turning a simple idea into generational wealth.
Yet according to federal authorities, behind this veneer of success lurked alleged criminal behavior that victimizes the most vulnerable among us. If proven true, these allegations represent a profound betrayal of public trust and basic human decency.
The legal process will now run its course. Edwards maintains his innocence and deserves his day in court. But the severity of the charges and the reported evidence paint a troubling picture.
As this case proceeds, it serves as a reminder that success and public image mean nothing without character and integrity. No amount of business acumen or entrepreneurial achievement can excuse or diminish crimes against children.
The detention hearing on March 2 will provide more clarity about the strength of the prosecution’s case and whether Edwards will remain in custody pending trial.
