Richard Snyder Charged with Luring Minors and Distributing Child Po…

Richard Snyder, 72, of Massillon, is facing federal charges for attempting to lure a 13-year-old girl into illegal sexual activity and distributing graphic child pornography over the internet. The indictment, unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio, paints a damning picture of a man exploiting digital platforms to target a child.

According to court records, Snyder used a computer and the internet between May 26 and August 17, 2016, to repeatedly attempt to persuade, induce, and coerce the underage girl into engaging in sexual acts. Federal prosecutors allege the communications were deliberate, sustained, and designed to groom the victim for exploitation—all orchestrated from his home in Stark County.

The charges escalate further with evidence that on July 25 and 26, 2016, Snyder knowingly distributed child pornography across state lines using interstate communication networks. The material, described in court filings as illegal visual depictions of minors, traveled via digital means, triggering federal jurisdiction and a multi-agency investigation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Sullivan. It was built through collaboration between the FBI’s Canton office, the Ohio and Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Forces, Jackson Township Police, and Canton Police—a coordinated push to dismantle online predators operating in the shadows.

If convicted, Snyder faces a court-imposed sentence determined by a range of factors, including his role in the crimes and any prior record. While the statutory maximum penalties for these offenses are severe, the final sentence will be handed down only after a trial or plea, with federal sentencing guidelines applied.

An indictment is not a conviction. Richard Snyder is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The case moves forward as federal authorities continue their crackdown on cyber-enabled sexual exploitation of minors across Ohio and beyond.