by Cleveland, Ohio – A Portage County man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to receiving, possessing, and distributing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), commonly known as child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Charles Esque Fleming sentenced Daniel Alan Robertson, 47, of Ravenna, to 121 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release. Robertson was also ordered to pay $117,500 in restitution to identified victims and an additional $10,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA).
Details of the Case
According to court filings, Robertson engaged in illegal activity from March through December 2024, using peer-to-peer file-sharing programs to download and distribute explicit images and videos of children. These materials included:
- Images of prepubescent girls
- Content involving children under the age of 12
- Files depicting sadistic and violent material
Investigators from the FBI Cleveland Division, the Portage County Sheriff’s Office, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol Computer Crimes Unit executed a federal search warrant at Robertson’s home in December 2024. Agents seized multiple electronic devices, including a desktop computer, two laptops, and several external storage devices.
A forensic review revealed hundreds of disturbing images and videos of children, some of whom were later identified by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Authorities confirmed that more than 20 victims were identified in the files Robertson possessed and distributed.
Federal Prosecution and Sentencing
Assistant United States Attorney Toni Beth Schnellinger Feisthamel prosecuted the case, which was brought under the Project Safe Childhood initiative.
Launched in 2006, Project Safe Childhood is a nationwide program led by the U.S. Department of Justice to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. It coordinates efforts between federal, state, and local law enforcement to identify and prosecute offenders, while also working to locate and rescue victims.
In court, prosecutors emphasized that Robertson’s crimes went beyond private possession. By sharing files across peer-to-peer networks, he actively distributed child pornography, contributing to the ongoing victimization of children already exploited in these images.
Restitution and Long-Term Supervision
Along with his prison sentence, Robertson’s financial penalties are aimed at supporting the recovery of child victims. The restitution order of $117,500 will be directed toward counseling and victim services. The 10 years of supervised release following his sentence will impose strict monitoring of Robertson’s activities, including limitations on internet access, to prevent re-offending.
Broader Context: Ohio’s Fight Against Child Exploitation
Robertson’s sentencing highlights the ongoing challenges Ohio and the nation face in addressing online child exploitation. According to the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, thousands of cases are investigated annually in Ohio alone, many involving online distribution networks similar to those Robertson used.
Federal authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, as the accessibility of peer-to-peer and encrypted platforms has increased opportunities for offenders. Law enforcement agencies stress that every download or share of child pornography revictimizes the children depicted.
Reporting Child Exploitation
Authorities are reminding the public that suspected child sexual exploitation can be reported through several channels:
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) CyberTipline: cybertipline.org
- Hotline: 1-800-843-5678 (available 24/7)
- Local law enforcement or FBI field offices
Officials say community reporting is critical to helping investigators track down offenders and provide relief to victims.
Read Also: Kentucky Mom and Stepfather Indicted in Death of Missing 10-Year-Old Jayden Spicer
Key Takeaways
- Defendant: Daniel Alan Robertson, 47, of Ravenna, Ohio
- Sentence: 121 months (just over 10 years) in federal prison
- Charges: Possession, receipt, and distribution of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM)
- Restitution: $117,500 to victims + $10,000 JVTA assessment
- Victims Identified: More than 20 children, some under age 12
- Post-Sentence Supervision: 10 years
This case is a stark reminder of the serious federal consequences of child pornography crimes and the devastating impact these offenses have on victims. Federal agencies, including the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Offices, continue to prioritize the prosecution of offenders through Project Safe Childhood.
What do you think about the growing issue of online child exploitation and the federal response? Should prison sentences for these crimes be even harsher? Share your thoughts in the comments at ibwhsmag.com.
