A man from Marion County, Florida, has admitted guilt in a case involving the transportation of a minor across state lines with intentions to engage in sexual activities. Thomas Allen Ebersole, aged 32 and residing in Dunnellon, faces a potential sentence ranging from ten years to life imprisonment. A sentencing date is yet to be determined.
Court documents reveal that in December 2023, Ebersole initiated communication with a 16-year-old girl through online video gaming platforms. On December 28, 2023, he traveled from Florida to Ohio where the minor resided. Subsequently, Ebersole transported the girl back to his home in Florida for illicit purposes. The minor remained at Ebersole’s residence until January 3, 2024, when law enforcement traced her location via an Internet Protocol (IP) address used for gaming activities. Following her removal from the premises by authorities, DNA evidence corroborated that sexual activity had occurred between Ebersole and the minor.
The investigation was carried out by the Federal Bureau of Investigation along with support from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Lima Police Department in Ohio. Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is overseeing prosecution efforts.
This legal action forms part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide campaign launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at tackling child sexual exploitation and abuse. This initiative unites federal as well as state and local resources to track down offenders exploiting children while ensuring victim rescue efforts are prioritized.
For further details regarding Project Safe Childhood initiatives or related matters visit www.justice.gov/psc.