A registered sex offender in Columbus, Ohio, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison for possessing and distributing graphic images and videos of child abuse. Jeremiah Morrison, aged 38, was found guilty of obtaining the material through the dark web and exchanging it for content depicting sexual abuse of children.
"The horrors in the files that Morrison collected, viewed, possessed, distributed and discussed on the dark web are so devoid of humanity, it is truly hard to put into words," stated U.S. Attorney Kenneth L. Parker. "We cannot allow individuals like Morrison to remain in society."
The Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force began investigating Morrison in April 2023 after receiving information about his activities online. A search warrant executed in June 2023 revealed thousands of images and videos on Morrison's cell phone showing severe abuse of prepubescent children.
Morrison had previously been convicted twice for crimes against children, including a 2012 incident involving an 11-year-old boy at a local library. Following his arrest on these recent charges in September 2023, he pleaded guilty in April 2024.
In addition to serving time in prison, Morrison will be under court supervision for life and is required to pay restitution of at least $3,000 per victim. The exact number of victims and total restitution amount will be determined by the Court.
The sentence was announced by Kenneth L. Parker along with Angie M. Salazar from Homeland Security Investigations Detroit and Franklin County Sheriff Dallas Baldwin among others involved with the investigation.