Patrick W. Ganim, Travel to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct, West Virginia 2014

A 29-year-old Ohio man has been charged with traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.

Patrick W. Ganim, of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, allegedly used various online messaging services to communicate with a minor female residing in the Northern District of West Virginia, in October 2014.

According to the indictment, Ganim traveled from Ohio to West Virginia and engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the victim. Following their initial meeting, Ganim allegedly continued to utilize online messaging services to communicate with the minor victim, planning a subsequent meeting and sending explicit material to the victim.

Ganim faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for the first count of "Travel to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct". He also faces between 10 years and life in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for the second count of "Using Means of Interstate Commerce to Attempt to Entice Minor to Engage in Sexual Activity".

Additionally, Ganim faces up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 for the third count of "Transfer of Obscene Materials to a Minor".

An indictment is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro. The Preston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bainbridge Township, Ohio Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are leading the investigation.

Ganim was not available for comment.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndwv/pr/ohio-man-charged-traveling-have-sex-minor