Scotty L. Skiba, 39, of Salem, Ohio, was sentenced on July 22 to 20 years in federal prison for receiving, distributing, and possessing hundreds of files depicting child sexual abuse. U.S. District Judge John R. Adams handed down the sentence after Skiba pleaded guilty in February to charges related to receipt and distribution of visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct and possession of child pornography.
Skiba was also ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release following his imprisonment and pay $40,000 in restitution to victims. Additionally, he must pay $10,000 toward the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Assistance Act established in 2018 to support victims of child sexual abuse.
According to court documents and evidence presented during proceedings, from approximately July 2024 through June 2025, investigators determined that Skiba knowingly received and distributed digital files containing images of children being sexually abused. During a search warrant execution at his residence, authorities seized multiple electronic devices which forensic analysis showed contained more than 1,500 images and videos classified as child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The materials included numerous videos depicting rape, bondage, and torture of children—some lasting over five minutes—with at least one video nearly an hour long. Investigators also learned that Skiba had previously engaged in sexual contact with two minors.
The investigation leading up to the indictment involved the FBI Youngstown Resident Agency and the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force with assistance from the Noble County Sheriff’s Office and Southeastern Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer J. King led prosecution efforts for the Northern District of Ohio.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices aiming to combat child exploitation by marshaling federal, state, and local resources for locating offenders online as well as identifying victims.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio operates within federal law enforcement; covers forty northern counties; enforces criminal laws including those related to national security; collaborates with schools and law enforcement agencies; promotes community safety through outreach programs; protects residents via victim services across northern Ohio; all under the authority granted by the Department of Justice, according to the official website.