FBI Arrests Evolve Bank CEO for Attempting Sex With Teen

Robert “Bob” Hartheimer, CEO of Memphis-based Evolve Bank & Trust, was arrested and subsequently fired after attempting to solicit sex from an FBI agent posing as a 15-year-old boy on the dating app Grindr. The FBI agent, operating undercover, engaged in conversations with Hartheimer, during which Hartheimer discussed meeting up for sexual activity, requested nude photos, and sent an explicit photo of himself. The exchanges moved from Grindr to Snapchat, where Hartheimer continued to pursue the minor, including requesting a video chat and discussing explicit sexual acts. Hartheimer was arrested on federal charges including attempted production of child pornography and transfer of obscene material to a minor. He waived his right to a hearing and remains in custody as the case proceeds to a grand jury. This incident follows a difficult year for Evolve Bank, previously affected by the bankruptcy of a fintech partner.