A Middletown man has been arrested and charged with coercing and exploiting minor girls online, according to federal authorities.
William Scott Elam, 52, was arrested on federal charges alleging he exploited and coerced child victims online.
Elam allegedly connected with an estimated 20 minor females on sites and apps like Omegle and Discord and pretended to be a 14-year-old.
According to an affidavit filed in support of the criminal complaint, in July 2023, the FBI in Milwaukee was made aware of a potential child victim through a report to law enforcement that originated with a mandated reporter.
The report involved a 12-year-old victim who met Elam on Omegle, a free online chat website that allows users to socialize without the need to register.
Elam and the victim allegedly exchanged Discord contact information and began chatting on the app.
Elam allegedly pretended to be a 14-year-old male and coerced the child victim to send him live sexual material by telling her that he would log off Discord and cut himself if she did not comply.
Elam appeared in federal court today and his detention hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.
Sexually exploiting children is a federal crime punishable by a prison range of 15 to 30 years in prison.
Coercion and enticement carries a potential penalty of at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
Related Federal Cases
- William Scott Elam, Child Exploitation, Ohio 2024 · Alabama
- Clay Thomas Wolfe, Child Exploitation, Ohio 2024 · Massachusetts
- Kevin D. Wyrock, Child Exploitation, Ohio 2015 · Wisconsin
- Ronald Scott Gibson, Child Pornography Distribution, Ohio 2024 · Massachusetts
- Scott M. Wroten, Child Pornography Possession, Ohio 2023 · Massachusetts
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Category: Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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