Michael D. Aspinwall, a 38-year-old resident of Toledo, Ohio, has been sentenced to 27 years in prison by U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp. Aspinwall admitted to creating and distributing child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). He pleaded guilty to charges of sexual exploitation of a minor and receipt and distribution of child pornography. Following his imprisonment, he will be subject to lifetime supervised release and must register as a sex offender under the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.
Court documents reveal that between October 1, 2023, and February 9, 2024, Aspinwall produced sexual abuse materials involving children. He transmitted these digital files through mobile applications. On February 9, 2024, FBI-Toledo agents executed a search warrant with assistance from Toledo Police officers. They seized Aspinwall's cellphone containing sexually explicit photos and videos of minors, including infants and toddlers. During conversations with an online covert investigator, Aspinwall confessed to sexually abusing children while babysitting them as they slept.
The investigation was carried out by the FBI Toledo Field Office in collaboration with the Toledo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Al-Sorghali prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
To report child exploitation incidents, individuals are encouraged to visit cybertipline.org or call 1-800-843-5678 at any time.