Ravenna man indicted for child pornography violations

Frank J. Richards, 53, of Ravenna, Ohio, was charged with receiving and distributing visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child pornography, said Carole S. Rendon, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

The Indictment charges that from on or about January 13, 2014, through on or about January 14, 2014, and again on July 22, 2015, Frank J. Richards, did knowingly receive and distribute in interstate and foreign commerce, by computer, numerous computer files, which files contained visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.  In addition, on January 27, 2011, March 5, 2015, and April 5, 2016, Frank J. Richards did knowingly possess computers and computer media that contained child pornography

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of 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.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carol M. Skutnik.  The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Cleveland Office.

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.