GRAND RAPIDS — U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey today announced that Thomas Shannon, 43, an orthodontist with a practice in Grandville, was arrested on charges related to child exploitation following allegations of sexual exploitation on Snapchat.
The criminal complaint against Shannon alleges that a therapist reported the exploitation of a 16-year-old minor on the social media platform. Investigators traced the perpetrator to Shannon using SnapChat and CashApp records. When Shannon hired a private forensic examiner to review his phone in an attempt to prove the absence of child pornography, the examiner discovered the illegal material and handed it over to law enforcement.
Upon further investigation, police identified additional minor victims, including one who was just twelve years old. One more victim came forward after being directed by Shannon to engage in sexually explicit conduct during video chats online.
Shannon faces serious charges, which include Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography, Receipt of Child Pornography, Possession of Child Pornography, Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, and Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. Each crime carries significant penalties, with sentences ranging from mandatory minimums to up to 20 years in prison.
This investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Fuquay Varina Police Department in North Carolina, and the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland. The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative aimed at protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. For more information on Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are collaborating in this effort. They work not only to locate and apprehend perpetrators like Shannon but also to educate communities on the risks of online child exploitation and teach children how to stay safe.
The charges against Shannon are merely accusations, and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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