A Utah man, once celebrated as a successful entrepreneur, now faces harrowing federal charges. Robert “Bobby” Edwards, the 50-year-old founder of Squatty Potty, has been arrested and accused of receiving child pornography.
The allegations span a disturbing period, from March 2021 to November 2025, detailing a pattern of acquiring and possessing countless images depicting the sexual abuse of children. A federal grand jury returned an indictment on February 10th, leading to Edwards’ arrest two days later in Washington County, Utah.
During an initial court appearance, Edwards entered a plea of not guilty. However, Judge Paul Kohler swiftly ordered him held without bail, signaling the gravity of the accusations and the potential risk involved.
The investigation began in March 2021 when an undercover FBI agent infiltrated an online meeting where participants were actively viewing exploitative material. Among those visible in the meeting was a user later identified as Edwards.
The investigation didn’t end there. In May 2025, authorities allege Edwards continued his illicit activity, purchasing more child sexual abuse material using an online payment account. This provided further evidence of a sustained and deliberate pattern.
A search warrant executed at Edwards’ home on November 4, 2025, yielded chilling results. Investigators discovered a cellphone in his vehicle containing multiple videos and images of child sexual abuse, some downloaded just weeks before the search.
Further searches of the residence uncovered additional images of this horrific nature. The evidence paints a disturbing picture, suggesting a deeply troubling and concealed activity.
Edwards’ entrepreneurial journey began in 2011, alongside his mother, father, and brother. The idea for Squatty Potty stemmed from a doctor’s recommendation to his mother – using a footstool to elevate the knees during bowel movements could alleviate chronic constipation.
Recognizing a market opportunity, Edwards designed a unique footstool that could wrap around the base of a toilet. This simple invention would soon capture national attention.
The family gained exposure in 2012 with a feature on the television show “The Doctors.” Two years later, they appeared on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” securing a deal with investor Lori Greiner.
The “Shark Tank” appearance proved transformative. Within three months, Squatty Potty generated $12.3 million in sales, a testament to the product’s appeal and the power of the show’s platform.
Edwards, reflecting on his success in a 2018 interview, expressed a sense of vindication. He had defied expectations and proven the viability of his unconventional idea.
In 2021, the company was acquired by Aterian, Inc. Following Edwards’ indictment, Aterian issued a statement clarifying that all ties with Edwards and his family had been severed after the 2021 asset purchase.
Aterian emphasized its complete lack of affiliation with Edwards and condemned the allegations as abhorrent and inconsistent with the company’s values. References to the Edwards family have since been removed from the company’s website.
