Thomas Shannon, a 43-year-old former orthodontist from Grandville, Michigan, was arrested in Frankfort on charges related to child exploitation. The arrest follows an investigation that began after a therapist reported that a 16-year-old minor had been sexually exploited through Snapchat.
Investigators used records from Snapchat and CashApp to identify Shannon as the alleged perpetrator. Shannon hired a private forensic examiner to review his phone in an attempt to show he did not possess child pornography. However, the examiner discovered child pornography on the device and provided this evidence to law enforcement. Further examination of the phone and Snapchat records revealed additional victims, including one who was only twelve years old. Another minor victim also came forward, stating she met Shannon online and that he directed her to participate in sexually explicit video chats.
Shannon faces several charges: attempted receipt of child pornography (with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to twenty years in prison), receipt of child pornography (mandatory minimum five years, up to twenty), possession of child pornography (up to twenty years), attempted sexual exploitation of a minor (mandatory minimum fifteen years, up to thirty), and sexual exploitation of a minor (mandatory minimum fifteen years, up to thirty).
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, the Fuquay Varina Police Department in North Carolina, and the Prince George’s County Police Department in Maryland.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative aimed at protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. The program brings together federal prosecutors, local law enforcement agencies, Internet Crimes Against Children task forces (ICAC), and other partners across government levels. They collaborate both on prosecution efforts and public education about online dangers facing children. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey stated: "The U.S. Attorney’s Office, county prosecutor’s offices, the Internet Crimes Against Children task force (ICAC), federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement are working closely together to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children. The partners in Project Safe Childhood work to educate local communities about the dangers of online child exploitation, and to teach children how to protect themselves."
Authorities remind the public that all charges are accusations; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
