Thomas Shannon, a 44-year-old former orthodontist from Byron Center, has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of children. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey for the Western District of Michigan.
U.S. Attorney VerHey stated: “Shannon’s selfish and senseless exploitation of these children has exposed them to a lifetime of emotional damage. I sincerely hope they can overcome it. But preying on our children must stop, and we will seek long sentences against people like Shannon until it does stop.”
Between 2019 and 2024, Shannon exploited at least eighteen minors online, with victims’ ages ranging from 12 to 17. The investigation began when a 16-year-old girl in North Carolina reported being sexually exploited on Snapchat. Authorities identified Shannon as the perpetrator; he was then working as an orthodontist in Grandville.
A review of Shannon’s Snapchat account revealed at least sixteen more minor victims, including one who was only twelve years old. Another victim later came forward after meeting Shannon through a different online platform while he was out on bond for state child pornography charges. This incident occurred aboard his yacht in Ottawa County, which has since been forfeited due to the prosecution.
HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey commented: “Protecting children from exploitation is at the heart of Homeland Security Investigations’ mission. This offender preyed on vulnerable children, but through extensive collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners, we were able to identify victims and ensure the defendant was held accountable. We hope this sentence delivers some measure of justice to his victims. We relentlessly investigate these crimes and tirelessly pursue those who exploit children.”
Kent County Sheriff Michelle LaJoye-Young added: “This investigation demonstrates how local, state, and federal partners work together to identify offenders, locate victims, and hold those responsible accountable. Our Human Trafficking Task Force continues to work aggressively to identify both victims and suspects in cases involving the exploitation of children.”
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Fuquay-Varina Police Department, and Prince George’s County Police Department.
The case falls under Project Safe Childhood—a national effort launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse by coordinating resources across federal, state, and local agencies to apprehend offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psc.
