Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
Christopher M. Callaway, a 41-year-old from West Farmington, Ohio, received a 50-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges related to the sexual exploitation of minors. U.S. District Judge Patricia A. Gaughan delivered the sentence on July 1, following Callaway's guilty plea in March.
Callaway faced six counts including sexually exploiting children, receipt and distribution of minors engaged in sexually explicit content, and possession of child pornography. He was also ordered to pay $40,000 under the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Court documents reveal that between 2015 and 2022, Callaway targeted vulnerable girls aged 10 to 17 through social media platforms such as KIK, Snapchat, and Facebook. He specifically sought out "daddy-daughter" online groups where older men communicated with underage girls.
He manipulated his victims by expressing affection and sending them gifts like food, clothing, money, and gift cards. Once he gained their trust, he coerced them into sending him nude images or videos performing sexual acts. Additionally, Callaway sent sex toys and lingerie to victims for producing pornography intended for online distribution.
Investigators found that Callaway produced child sexual abuse material (CSAM) involving over 40 minors; 21 were identified in the case. Most victims were outside Ohio with one from New Zealand. Callaway traveled to Virginia and Florida to commit crimes against victims while recording them.
During a search of his residence, federal agents seized electronic devices containing more than 20,000 images and videos of CSAM.
The FBI Cleveland Division led the investigation with support from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer J. King prosecuted the case for the Northern District of Ohio.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Childhood—an initiative focused on combating child sexual exploitation by coordinating resources at federal, state, and local levels to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
For further information about Project Safe Childhood visit justice.gov/PSC or report child exploitation at cybertipline.org or call 1-800-843-5678 available around-the-clock.
