U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Michigan Timothy VerHey announced on Apr. 2 that Erich Zeeb, a 51-year-old from Roanoke, Virginia, has been sentenced to 28 years in prison for sexually exploiting a child.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about online predators and the risks they pose to children through internet access and communication.
According to U.S. Attorney VerHey, "What Zeeb did was depraved and disgusting and he richly deserved the long sentence he received from Judge Beckering. This case should remind all parents of the long reach that sex predators have because of the internet. Please do what you can to warn your children about this risk and help them avoid it. My message to others who sexually exploit our children is this—there is a prison cell waiting for you too.”
Court records show that Zeeb met his victim online in 2012 when she was fifteen years old. He introduced himself as an Olympian-in-training who could help her pursue her own Olympic goals, eventually gaining her trust as well as her parents'. U.S. District Judge Jane M. Beckering stated at sentencing that Zeeb groomed the victim before using his access to sexually exploit her multiple times. The investigation also uncovered credible reports suggesting similar abuse by Zeeb involving other girls and young women.
Jared Murphey, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations Detroit, said: “This sentencing reflects HSI’s unwavering resolve to protect our communities and hold those who prey on children fully accountable... We will continue to pursue justice and safeguard the most vulnerable among us.”
The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, Michigan State Police, and Houston Police Department in Texas; Assistant U.S. Attorney Hanna Rutkowski prosecuted the case.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood—a national initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 aimed at combating child sexual exploitation by coordinating federal, state, and local resources.
