Erich Zeeb, Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Michigan 2023

U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced that Erich Zeeb, 51, of Roanoke, Virginia, was sentenced to 28 years in prison for sexual exploitation of a child.

Zeeb met the victim, who was then 15 years old, online in 2012.  He presented himself to the victim and her parents as an Olympian-in-training and someone who could help the victim with her own Olympic aspirations.

As U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering stated at sentencing, Zeeb groomed the victim, gained her parents’ trust, and then used that access to sexually exploit the victim on multiple occasions.

During the investigation, law enforcement received credible accounts of similar exploitation and abuse by Zeeb involving additional girls and young women.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Michigan State Police, and the Houston, Texas Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hanna Rutkowski.

HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey stated, “This sentencing reflects HSI’s unwavering resolve to protect our communities and hold those who prey on children fully accountable.”

U.S. Attorney VerHey warned parents to be aware of the risks that sex predators pose online, saying, “Please do what you can to warn your children about this risk and help them avoid it.”

“My message to others who sexually exploit our children is this—there is a prison cell waiting for you too,” he added.

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