Great Lakes Wire

Thomas Shannon, a 43-year-old orthodontist who previously practiced in Grandville, Michigan, was arrested in Frankfort on charges related to child exploitation. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey.

According to the criminal complaint, the investigation began after a therapist reported that a 16-year-old minor had been sexually exploited on Snapchat. Authorities used SnapChat and CashApp records to identify Shannon as the alleged perpetrator. Shannon hired a private forensic examiner to review his phone in an attempt to prove he did not possess child pornography. However, the examiner found evidence of child pornography and turned it over to law enforcement.

Further examination of Shannon’s phone and Snapchat records revealed additional minor victims, including one who was only twelve years old. Another minor victim came forward, stating she met Shannon online and that he directed her to participate in sexually explicit video chats.

Shannon faces several charges: attempted receipt of child pornography (mandatory minimum of five years and up to twenty years in prison), receipt of child pornography (mandatory minimum of five years and up to twenty years), possession of child pornography (up to twenty years), attempted sexual exploitation of a minor (mandatory minimum of fifteen years and up to thirty years), and sexual exploitation of a minor (mandatory minimum of fifteen years and up to thirty years).

The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Fuquay Varina Police Department in North Carolina, and the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland.

This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative focused on protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. The program involves cooperation among federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement agencies as well as community education efforts about online risks for children. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey stated: "The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty."