(Ohio) – A 24-year-old Berea man is facing charges after authorities say he allegedly contacted several children between the ages of 12 and 15 and coerced them into sending sexually explicit images.
According to an affidavit, Cody Swinnerton had multiple accounts and targeted minors on Instagram and Facebook. The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force reportedly received a tip about alleged actions that started the investigation. Police say Swinnerton contacted the victims’ friends and family to pressure the victims into producing more images. Reports also indicate there may be potential victims in Ohio, Tennessee, Iowa, Texas, Australia, Austria, and France.
A search warrant was executed on January 25th at his home where an investigation into content on his computer revealed several images of child pornography. The investigation continues.