Tiffin police arrest man after 8-month investigation into child pornography distribution

Tiffin, Ohio — After an 8-month-long investigation into alleged possession and distribution of child pornography, the Tiffin Police Department on Wednesday arrested 27-year-old Nathaniel J. Stanton.

Stanton has been charged with one count of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor, a second-degree felony.

The case originated from a cyber tip sent to TPD detectives, which revealed that an unknown person had distributed illegal materials via the social media application Kik. Subsequent investigation led detectives to Stanton’s home, where he was identified as the prime suspect, according to a press release from TPD.

In December of last year, detectives executed a search warrant at Stanton’s residence and seized several electronic devices for forensic analysis. Just this week, the results of the analysis were received, revealing numerous additional images and videos of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on Stanton’s cell phone, according to the release.

Detectives consulted with the Seneca County Prosecutor’s Office, which determined that the best course of action was to place Stanton into custody and serve him with the original charge, given the nature of the CSAM.

During the initial part of the case, detectives were able to connect with Stanton on another social media app and conducted a covert operation, with Stanton believing he was communicating with a 14-year-old female. However, Stanton was actually communicating with a law enforcement officer, and during one conversation, he allegedly sent illicit photos to whom he believed was the underage girl, according to the release.

The case will now be forwarded to the county prosecutor’s office for review and presentation to the grand jury. Additional charges are expected to be served on Stanton in the near future, according to the release.

Stanton is currently in custody and awaiting further legal proceedings.