U.S. Attorney Justin E. Herdman and FBI Special Agent in Charge Stephen D. Anthony announced that an Ashland County man was indicted for sexually exploiting five children. The indictment charges Michael D. Nixon, 55, of Perrysville, with five counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of receipt and distribution of child pornography, and one count of possession of child pornography.
Nixon allegedly coerced the minors into engaging in sexually explicit conduct from June 1, 2017, through November 29, 2017. According to court documents, one of the victims was a 10-year-old girl who was contacted by Nixon, who posed as a young girl. Nixon requested that the girl send nude images, threatening to send the images to her school if she did not comply.
The victim’s mother reported the incident to authorities after the girl became terrified. An investigation by TFO Bryan Allen, Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Task Force, and Edward Moschella, FBI, District of Columbia, led to Nixon’s indictment.
Nixon also knowingly received and distributed numerous computer files that contained child pornography. He possessed two Samsung Gusto 3 cellular phones that contained child pornography, according to the indictment.
If convicted, Nixon’s sentence will be determined by the Court after review of factors unique to this case, including his prior criminal record, his role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation. In all cases, the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum, and in most cases, it will be less than the maximum.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Nixon’s case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting children from exploitation. Parents, educators, and law enforcement must work together to prevent these crimes and bring perpetrators to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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