Columbus Man Creates Child Pornography, Faces 15-30 Years in Prison
Columbus, OH – In a shocking case of child exploitation, Eric A. Zevely, 34, of Columbus, pleaded guilty to producing child pornography in U.S. District Court. According to court documents, Zevely engaged in thousands of communications with numerous other individuals in response to ads placed on Craigslist.
Zevely made contact with undercover officers from two separate task forces in response to online advertisements looking for like-minded individuals interested in “incest taboo young” sexual conduct. A search of Zevely’s phone revealed explicit photographs of his sexual abuse of a 10-year-old female.
Producing child pornography is a federal crime punishable by a range of 15 to 30 years in prison. This guilty plea highlights the need for increased vigilance in monitoring online activities.
The investigation was led by the federal and local crimes against children task forces, with the assistance of Assistant United States Attorneys Heather A. Hill and S. Courter Shimeall. U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Glassman commended the efforts of the task forces and prosecutors involved in the case.
Zelvely was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2018. His plea was entered into today before Chief U.S. District Judge Edmund A. Sargus, Jr.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of child exploitation and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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