CLARKSBURG, WV—Patrick W. Ganim, 29, of, Chagrin Falls, Ohio, was convicted of traveling across state lines to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor female today in federal court, United States Attorney William J. Ihlenfeld, II, announced.

Ganim communicated with a minor female residing in the Northern District of West Virginia utilizing a variety of Internet resources and online messaging tools. In October 2014, Ganim traveled across state lines from Ohio into West Virginia. He then engaged in illicit sexual conduct with the victim. Following their initial meeting, Ganim continued to utilize online messaging services to communicate with the minor victim, planning a subsequent meeting and sending explicit material to the victim.

Ganim pled guilty today to one count of “Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct,” for which he faces up to 30 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Montoro prosecuted the case on behalf of the government. The Preston County Sheriff’s Office, the Bainbridge Township, Ohio Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the inquiry.

U.S. Magistrate Judge John S. Kaull presided.