Evolve Bank CEO in US arrested for engaging in Sexual Activity with Minor

The CEO of a US-based financial company, Bob Hartheimer, has been fired after being arrested in an FBI sting operation. The operation reportedly caught him trying to meet a 15-year-old boy on a gay dating app.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Hartheimer, who was the head of Tennessee’s Evolve Bank & Trust, is accused of trying to engage in sexual activity with a minor and sending explicit photos of himself online.

The investigation began on October 19, when an FBI agent posed as a 15-year-old boy on the gay dating app Grindr. A user with the profile name “Tomm” sent a message to the undercover agent saying, “Hey any chance u would hu (hook up) with an older and chill guy.”

After that, the two continued chatting and discussed meeting in person later that week. The conversation moved to Snapchat, where they allegedly discussed sexual activities. The suspect, using the “Tomm” account, also requested nude photos from the supposed teenager and sent a naked photo of himself.

Investigators later traced the user’s IP address from Snapchat. The information, provided by Comcast, led authorities to Hartheimer’s home address.

Hartheimer was arrested in Memphis on October 23. He has been charged with attempted production of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to a minor, according to a federal warrant.

Bank’s Response

After the arrest, a spokesperson from Evolve Bank & Trust confirmed that Hartheimer was immediately removed from his position.

His lawyer, Blake Ballin, told CNBC that Hartheimer’s family is aware of the situation and is standing by him. Ballin said, “Bob’s family loves and supports him and requests privacy during this difficult period in their lives.”

Hartheimer had joined Evolve Bank & Trust in August 2025, taking over from Scott Stafford, who retired after leading the bank for 20 years.

The federal investigation is still ongoing, and more details may emerge as the case progresses.