Massillon man charged with enticement and distribution of child pornography

Richard Snyder, 72, of Massillon, was charged with enticement and distribution of child pornography, said Carole S. Rendon, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.

Snyder knowingly used a computer and the Internet, to attempt to persuade, induce, entice and coerce, a 13-year-old girl, to engage in illegal sexual activity with him.  This took place from May 26  through August 17, 2016, according to the indictment. The indictment also charges that on or about July 25, 2016, and July 26, 2016, Snyder knowingly distributed and attempted to distribute child pornography that, using any means and facility of interstate and foreign commerce, had been shipped and transported in and affecting interstate and foreign commerce by any means, including by computer.     

If convicted, the defendant’s sentence will be determined by the court after review of factors unique to this case, including the defendant’s prior criminal record, if any, the defendant's role in the offense and the characteristics of the violation.  In all cases the sentence will not exceed the statutory maximum and in most cases it will be less than the maximum.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michael A. Sullivan.  The case was investigated by the Canton Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Vermont Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Jackson Township Police Department and the Canton Police Department. 

An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.