Evolve Bank CEO Arrested After 'Trading Nudes', Trying To Meet '15-Year-Old' FBI Agent For Sex

Robert “Bob” Hartheimer, the CEO of Evolve Bank & Trust, has been removed from his post after being arrested in an undercover FBI sting operation. The veteran banker was allegedly caught trying to meet a person he believed was a 15-year-old boy for sex through a gay dating app.

According to federal investigators, the 68-year-old executive initiated contact with what he thought was a teenage boy on Grindr, unaware that he was speaking to an undercover FBI agent. The sting was part of a broader operation aimed at targeting online child exploitation.

Undercover Operation And Chat Details

The affidavit, unsealed this week, states that the investigation began on October 19 when an FBI employee created a fake profile posing as a 15-year-old boy. Soon after, a user with the handle “Tomm” sent a message saying, “Hey any chance u would hu (hook up) with an older and chill guy.”

The FBI agent responded, and the two began chatting. Their conversation soon turned explicit. Authorities say Hartheimer, using the alias “Tomm,” sent several sexual messages and an image of himself naked. He also allegedly asked the undercover agent, “Do u want to trade nudes?” After moving their chats to Snapchat, the pair discussed meeting in person and engaging in sexual activity. Investigators later traced the suspect’s IP address from Snapchat records, which led them to Hartheimer’s residence in Memphis, Tennessee.

Hartheimer was arrested on October 23 by FBI agents wearing bulletproof vests at Evolve Bank’s Memphis headquarters, according to the Wall Street Journal. He has been charged with attempted production of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to a minor, as per a federal warrant.

In a statement to media outlets, Evolve Bank confirmed that Hartheimer had been “immediately terminated” following his arrest. “We are in close contact with the US Attorney’s Office and have been assured this is a personal matter unrelated to the bank’s operations,” said bank spokesperson Eric Helvie.

Legal And Family Response

Hartheimer’s attorney, Blake Ballin, told CNBC that the former CEO’s family was aware of the charges and had requested privacy. “Bob’s family loves and supports him and asks for understanding during this difficult period,” Ballin said.

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Hartheimer joined Evolve Bank in August 2025, succeeding longtime CEO Scott Stafford, who retired after two decades. On his LinkedIn profile, Hartheimer described his career as one dedicated to “leading, turning around, and advising institutions across the financial landscape.”

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The federal investigation remains ongoing. The case has drawn parallels to last year’s arrest of former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries, who was accused of running a sex-trafficking ring involving young men. Hartheimer’s arrest has shocked the financial industry, with many calling it one of the most serious criminal allegations ever linked to a US banking executive.