U.S. Attorney Roger B. Handberg | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from Marion County, Florida, has pleaded guilty to transporting a minor across state lines with the intent to engage in sexual activity. Thomas Allen Ebersole, 32, of Dunnellon, faces a minimum sentence of 10 years and could receive up to life in federal prison. The sentencing date is yet to be determined.
Court records indicate that in December 2023, Ebersole began communicating with a 16-year-old girl through online video games. On December 28, 2023, he traveled from Florida to Ohio where the minor resided and then transported her back to his home in Florida for sexual purposes. The minor remained at Ebersole’s residence until January 3, 2024. Law enforcement officials located her through the Internet Protocol (IP) address she used for gaming. After her removal from Ebersole's home by law enforcement, DNA evidence confirmed sexual activity had occurred.
The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lima Police Department in Ohio. Assistant United States Attorney Hannah Nowalk Watson is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This program involves collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend individuals who exploit children and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.justice.gov/psc.
