Editor's note: Some of the information in this story is graphic.
A Strongsville priest who was arrested earlier this year for allegedly possessing child pornography has been indicted in federal court on multiple charges.
Robert D. McWilliams, 40, is charged with the following, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office:
- Sex trafficking of a minor — two counts
- Sexual exploitation of children — three counts
- Transportation of child pornography — one count
- Receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct — one count
- Possession of child pornography — one count
“Today’s indictment reflects the serious and elaborate nature of the acts allegedly taken by the defendant to traffic and exploit local area children,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. “The alleged acts committed in this case are a disturbing and strong reminder for parents to be vigilant about who their children talk to and what they do online.”
McWilliams was initially brought up on charges back in February via criminal complaint.
According to the attorney's office, McWilliams allegedly posed as a female on social media in order to entice minor males into sending sexually explicit photographs and videos, sometimes threatening to expose embarrassing information he already knew about the victims if they did not send him photos.
Authorities say McWilliams was already familiar with the victims since he served as a priest at the churches that the children and their families attended. McWilliams allegedly followed through on his threats "by sending the mothers sexually explicit photographs he received from minor male victims."
Authorities said that the priest also allegedly used a social media website to meet underage males and on multiple occasions paid a 15-year-old boy in exchange for sex.
After McWilliams was arrested, authorities said that they found around 1,700 images and videos of child pornography in his possession, including a video of a male infant being raped by an adult male. Additionally, around 150 files of child pornography were found in a Dropbox account.
“Allegations of child exploitation against a trusted member of the religious community has long-term reverberations beyond just the criminal acts of the accused," said Vance Callender, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigation-Detroit. "Identifying people who violate their positions of public trust will always be a priority for those in HSI that investigate child exploitation."
Authorities are asking that anyone with information about McWilliams accused activities contact Homeland Security at 216-749-9602.
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