Federal Prosecutors Charge West Michigan Orthodontist Thomas Shannon With Child Exploitation
Federal authorities have arrested West Michigan Michigan Orthodontist Thomas Shannon on charges related to child exploitation. Shannon is an orthodontist and previously had a practice in Grandville outside Grand Rapids.
The FBI states a therapist reported that a 16-year-old had been sexually exploited on Snapchat by Shannon. Investigators identified the victim’s perpetrator as Thomas Shannon using SnapChat and CashApp records.
Shannon hired a private forensic examiner to review his phone to prove that he did not have child pornography. However, the examiner found child pornography and turned it over to police.
Investigators also reviewed the phone and Snapchat records. The information revealed another victim who was only twelve years old. One additional minor victim came forward. She says she also met Shannon online. He then directed her to video chat with him while engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
As a Result, Federal Prosecutors Have Charged Shannon With The Following Crimes:
Attempted Receipt of Child Pornography:
This charge carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison.
Receipt of Child Pornography:
This carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years and up to 20 years in prison.
Possession of Child Pornography:
This carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.
Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor:
This carries a mandatory sentence of up 15 years and up to 30 years in prison.
Sexual Exploitation of a Minor:
This carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in prison
Homeland Security Investigations and the Kent County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
This case is also part of Project Safe Childhood. Congress created Project Safe Childhood as a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office works with county prosecutor’s offices to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children.
