A federal grand jury in Pittsburgh has indicted Ronald John Kirkham Jr., a resident of Fairmont, West Virginia, on charges related to the distribution of child sexual abuse material and interstate transmission of extortionate communication. Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti made the announcement.
The indictment against 56-year-old Kirkham consists of two counts. It alleges that he met his victim online when she was 17 years old. Around 2017, Kirkham reportedly persuaded her to send explicit photos and videos. Years later, he allegedly threatened to publish these materials unless she sent more or paid him money.
If convicted, Kirkham faces a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would depend on the seriousness of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting the case for the government. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and North Fayette Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, an initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. This project involves collaboration among federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
An indictment is merely an accusation; a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
