Robert Edwards, Creator of Squatty Potty, Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Child Pornography Charge

Robert Edwards, the businessman who co-created the Squatty Potty and appeared on Shark Tank, has pleaded not guilty to a federal charge related to child pornography.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Edwards was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 10 and arrested on Feb. 12 in Washington County, Utah. He is charged with receipt of child pornography. He entered a not guilty plea during his initial court appearance.

Prosecutors allege that Edwards knowingly received multiple images of child sexual abuse material between March 2021 and November of that year. Court documents state that an undercover FBI agent entered an online group chat in March 2021 where users were allegedly sharing child sexual abuse material. Edwards was identified as one of the participants, authorities said.

Investigators later alleged that Edwards purchased additional illegal material using his PayPal account in May 2025. After executing a search warrant at his home and on his person, law enforcement officers said they found multiple images and videos of child pornography on a cellphone located in his car. Additional material was allegedly discovered on other electronic devices in his home.

A detention hearing is scheduled for March 2 in St. George, Utah.

Edwards began selling the Squatty Potty, a footstool designed to change toilet posture and help with bowel movements, in 2010 alongside his mother, Judy Edwards. The company gained national attention after appearing on Shark Tank in 2014, where investor Lori Greiner invested $350,000 in the business.

In a later appearance on Shark Tank in 2020, Edwards said the company had generated $175 million in sales since its first appearance.

The Squatty Potty brand was acquired in 2021 by Aterian. Following Edwards’ indictment, Aterian released a statement distancing the company from him.

“Aterian has no affiliation, partnership, or ongoing relationship with Mr. Robert Edwards,” the company said. “Following the completion of that acquisition, all associations with Edwards and his family ceased. He is not an employee, a partner, or a stakeholder in our company.”

The company added that it was “deeply disturbed” by the allegations and said they are inconsistent with its values. It also removed references to Edwards and his family from the brand’s website.

The case remains ongoing.