CINCINNATI - A federal grand jury has charged Bryan Harris, 27, of Cincinnati, with coercion and enticement in an indictment returned in Cincinnati.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Angela L. Byers, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cincinnati Field Division, Hamilton County Sheriff Jim Neal and Cincinnati Police Department Interim Chief Eliot Isaac announced the indictment returned last week.
According to court documents, Harris allegedly used the Internet and social media to coerce more than 15 minor females, ordering them to send him sexually explicit photographs and meeting with some in person to engage in sexual activity.
Coercion and enticement by means of interstate commerce is a crime punishable by up to 20 years in prison and coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity carries a maximum life sentence, with a mandatory minimum 10-year sentence.
Any individuals who believe they may also be a victim in this case are encouraged to call the FBI victim information line at 513-979-8882, where they will be connected with a member of the FBI Cincinnati Child Exploitation Task Force.
U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the investigation of this case by the FBI Cincinnati Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes FBI, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office and Cincinnati Police Department, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Christy Muncy, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
