Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
Brandon E. Crawford, a 24-year-old resident of Copley, Ohio, has been sentenced to 13 years in federal prison. The sentencing occurred on March 11, 2025, as decided by U.S. District Judge David Ruiz. Crawford faced charges related to child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) and pleaded guilty to the receipt and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, as well as possession of child pornography. After serving his prison term, Crawford is required to undergo 10 years of supervised release and must register as a sex offender under the stipulations of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act.
Court documents reveal that Crawford's illegal activities spanned from November 2022 to January 2024. A search of his belongings led federal investigators to confiscate a cellphone containing sexually explicit content involving minors. The investigation uncovered Crawford's use of social media platforms on his phone to distribute and exchange CSAM materials, including at least one image involving a child under 12 years old.
The investigation was carried out by the FBI-Akron Field Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter E. Daly of the Northern District of Ohio.
To report incidents of child exploitation, individuals are encouraged to visit cybertipline.org or call 1-800-843-5678. These services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
