Rebecca C. Lutzko United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio
A Lucas County man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for distributing child sexual abuse materials online. Steven Nowak, 55, of Toledo, Ohio, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge James R. Knepp after pleading guilty in September 2025 to charges related to receipt and distribution of child pornography. In addition to his prison term, Nowak was ordered to serve a lifetime of supervised release and pay $18,000 in restitution. The sentencing took place on March 3.
Court documents show that federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in New England were investigating online groups involved in trafficking child sexual abuse materials between January and April 2025. During this period, Nowak was identified as an active member of several such groups and shared content depicting the sexual abuse of children, including infants and toddlers.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Nowak’s residence and seized electronic devices. An examination of his cellphone revealed numerous images and videos involving child sexual abuse. Nowak admitted that he had shared photos of a minor family member online to solicit engagement from others in these groups.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sara Al-Sorghali for the Northern District of Ohio.
The investigation was part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country aimed at combating child exploitation and abuse online. The project coordinates efforts among federal, state, and local agencies to identify offenders and rescue victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at justice.gov/PSC.
Reports of child exploitation can be made at cybertipline.org or by calling 1-800-843-5678 at any time.
