Hamilton County man indicted on 30 counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor
Hamilton County Prosecutor Melissa Powers recently announced the indictment of Eric Zachary Johnson, 30, for 30 counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor. If convicted of all charges, he faces a maximum of 77 years and 6 months in prison.
Johnson was indicted for 25 counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor at the fourth-degree felony level and five counts of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor at the second-degree felony level.
The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Endangered Children that indicated an internet account associated with Eric Zachary Johnson was potentially involved in the online storage of child pornography and child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Deputies with the Regional Electronic and Computer Investigations (RECI) section of the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office drafted a search warrant for Johnson’s residence based on this information. Deputies executed the warrant on Aug. 27, 2024 and recovered electronic devices, including Johnson’s cell phone, multiple computers and multiple hard drives.
An analysis of the defendant’s phone allegedly revealed over 100 images categorized as CSAM; 42
images categorized as child exploitative material; and 39 additional files of interest, including screenshots of children’s social media pages.
Further investigation also allegedly discovered nearly 100 videos of women and children playing in public, believed to be recorded in parks and neighborhoods in the Anderson Township area. An analysis of the multiple hard drives seized is ongoing, and it is estimated that there are allegedly over one million images and videos to categorize.
Powers commented, “I want to thank the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office for their excellent work in this matter. Tracking down criminals who operate in the shadows of the Internet is not easy work, and we are lucky to have dedicated professionals working to keep us safe online.
“If anyone, especially those in the Anderson Township area, suspects their child has had contact with Eric Zachary Johnson, please contact the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office or your local police department.”
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.