Zanesville man imprisoned for possessing child sexual assault materials
A Zanesville man will be spending time in prison for downloading and sending child sexual assault materials on his phone and computer.
Erik D. Huizer, 21, of Zanesville, appeared in Muskingum County Common Pleas Court recently for sentencing. Common Pleas Judge Mark C. Fleegle sentenced Huizer to at least two years in prison for his crime of pandering obscenity involving a minor, which is a felony. Huizer will also be required to register as a sex offender once he is released from prison.
On Oct. 27, 2023, the parent company of a social media app notified the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that child sexual assault material (CSAM) had been uploaded through a user account.
On Jan. 12, 2024, Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) notified local law enforcement authorities of the CSAM activity occurring on the social media account, which was owned by Huizer.
Law enforcement investigators searched Huizer’s Zanesville residence on Jan. 26 and took him into custody. In addition to searching his phone, investigators examined his computer, upon which additional CSAM files were found.
Investigators interviewed Huizer, who said he found the image on another communication app. Huizel admitted to attempting to send the CSAM via social media, to show the image to his friend.
Muskingum County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney John Dever says every instance of CSAM creates a cycle of victimization.
“The defendant, in his statement to the court, said that he thought that possessing CSAM was a victimless crime,” Dever said. “Now, he knows that to be simply false. Every CSAM prosecution is important because every download and every transmission tells the creators of this material that there is an active demand for it. Every download and every transmission not only revictimizes the children within the CSAM. It incentives the victimization of other children.”
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.