Local Man Charged with Child Pornography Offenses
A 69-year-old Sylvania man has been charged with receipt/distribution of child pornography and possession/access intent to view child pornography, according to a two-count indictment unsealed in the Northern District of Ohio.
Thomas W. Michaelis, of Sylvania, Ohio, allegedly received and distributed images between April and May, and possessed and accessed with intent to view one or more web sites which contained depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct between January and May, according to the indictment.
The investigating agencies in this case are the United States Secret Service and the Sylvania Police Department. The case is being handled by Assistant United States Attorney Alissa M. Sterling.
A convicted Michaelis could face a sentence determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant’s 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.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The Defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to the indictment, Michaelis’ actions were a clear violation of the law and a threat to the safety of our communities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Sex Crimes|Cybercrime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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