Related Federal Cases
- Clay Thomas Wolfe, Child Exploitation, Ohio 2024 · Washington
- Clay Thomas Wolfe, Child Exploitation, Ohio 2024 · Minnesota
- Carrie Daniels, Child Sex Exploitation, Ohio 2023 · Maryland
- Kyle Lawrence, Child Exploitation, Ohio 2023 · Kentucky
- Edwin Franco Rolffo-Zavala, Child Sexual Exploitation, Ohio 2014 · California
Cuyahoga Falls Man Charged with Child Exploitation
A disturbing case of child exploitation has come to light in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, as 37-year-old Robert W. Thomas has been indicted by a federal grand jury for attempting to buy a child, enticement, and receiving and distributing visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment alleges that from January 6, 2014, through January 11, 2014, Thomas offered to purchase or otherwise obtain custody or control of a 10-year-old girl with the intent to promote the engaging in of sexually explicit conduct by such minor for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
The indictment also charges that Thomas knowingly used a computer connected to the Internet and a cellular phone to attempt to induce a 10-year-old girl to engage in illegal sexual activity with him. Additionally, Thomas is accused of knowingly receiving and distributing in interstate and foreign commerce, by computer, numerous computer files containing visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The case was investigated by the Canton Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alliance Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan will be prosecuting the case.
“The conduct laid out in the indictment should sound an alarm for all parents,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. “We will remain vigilant in protecting our children from predators.”
“Mr. Thomas’ behavior and his stated desires for wanting to buy a child are frightening,” said Stephen D. Anthony, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Cleveland Office. “Law enforcement will continue to proactively and aggressively pursue predators that intend to harm our children and this is yet another reminder for parents to be aware of their child’s Internet activities.”
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.
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Sex CrimesSex CrimesSex CrimesSex Crimes