COLUMBUS – Herman H. Kamphuis, 43, of Cedar Springs, Michigan is in federal custody, charged with attempted sexual exploitation of a minor for unlawful sexual activity, after he traveled from his home to Columbus to have sex with two pre-teen girls.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Brian Moskowitz, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Ohio and Michigan, Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott, and the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) announced the charge today following Kamphuis’ initial appearance in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Terence P. Kemp, who ordered Kamphuis held without bond.

According to an affidavit filed in support of the complaint, an undercover investigator patrolling the internet on February 2, 2012 was contacted in a chat room by Kamphuis. The investigator was posing as the father of two pre-teen girls. Kamphuis allegedly quickly turned the chat sexual.

The two continued to exchange messages until March 7 when they arranged to meet on March 9. When Kamphuis arrived for the meeting, task force officers arrested him.

Attempted sexual exploitation of children is punishable by at least ten years and up to life in prison.  

Stewart commended the investigation by task force officers, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Hill, who is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

 

 

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