The Cleveland Division of the FBI, Canton Resident Agency’s Child Exploitation Task Force, announces the arrest of Dennis E. Horn, age 69, of Smithville, Ohio.

A federal arrest warrant for knowingly receiving and distributing visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and knowingly possessing or accessing with intent to view child pornography was signed on February 8, 2021.

An investigation had been initiated by law enforcement on January 11, 2021, upon discovery that an IP address utilized by Horn was making child exploitative material online for sharing. A search warrant was executed at Horn’s residence where alleged images of child pornography were seized.

Law enforcement was unable to locate and arrest Horn last week and on Friday, February 12th, a press release seeking information on Horn’s possible location was disseminated.

Horn was observed by law enforcement in the Smithville area on Monday, February 15th. Law enforcement was unsuccessful arresting Horn at that time. Horn successfully returned to his residence and refused law enforcement orders to come out of the residence. After a lengthy overnight standoff, over 15 hours, Horn was taken into custody by members of the Cleveland FBI SWAT at approximately 5:25 a.m. this morning, without incident.

Horn had an initial appearance in federal court today, February 16, 2021. He remains in custody and will have a preliminary and detention hearing on February 22, 2021 at 1pm. 

The Cleveland Division of the FBI – Canton Resident Agency’s Child Exploitation Task Force thanks the assistance provided by the Smithville Township Police Department, the Wooster Police Department, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, Ohio Highway Patrol, and the Cleveland Division of the FBI’s SWAT members for their assistance in peacefully apprehending Horn.

For questions regarding this press release, please contact SA Vicki Anderson at 216-522-1400 or at vagregg@fbi.gov.