U. S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger | U.S. Department of Justice
An Inver Grove Heights man, Samuel Eric Snell, has been indicted on several charges related to child exploitation. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.
Court documents reveal that Snell, 45, known online as "Storm Blackwood" and "Candy Man Sam MN," participated in a Discord community where minors were exploited for financial gain. The minors, referred to as "kittens," provided companionship to adults, termed "masters," in exchange for payments via CashApp or gifts. Discord channels involved included names like “Fun Time Kitty Klub” and “Pretty Kitty Hangout.” Direct messages from Snell's account showed he solicited illicit images from chat partners who often identified as minors dealing with gender identity and mental health issues.
Snell reportedly followed a pattern of requesting progressively explicit images from these minors and groomed them to produce child sexual abuse material. He also sent electronic sex toys to the victims and solicited depictions of their use. On at least two occasions, Snell allegedly took a minor to a hotel for sexual intercourse, offering $100 and emergency contraception afterward.
Authorities believe there may be more victims connected to this case. Anyone whose minor dependents have interacted with Snell is urged to contact the FBI.
The indictment includes six counts of producing child pornography and two counts of coercing a minor into prostitution. Snell appeared in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Dulce J. Foster, with a detention hearing set for December 17, 2024.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation online. The FBI led the investigation with support from local police departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Emily A. Polachek is handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; the defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
