Buckeye Reporter

A Summit County man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography using a social media platform. Adam Kline, 23, of Mogadore, Ohio, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Bridget Meehan Brennan after pleading guilty in May to charges related to the receipt and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, as well as possession of child sexual abuse materials.

In addition to his prison term, Kline will serve 15 years of supervised release following his incarceration. He was also ordered to pay $23,000 in special assessments and $3,000 in restitution to one identified victim.

Court documents state that between January 9 and May 21, 2024, Kline knowingly distributed computer files containing images of real minors involved in sexually explicit acts. At least one image depicted a prepubescent minor under the age of 12. Federal agents linked several accounts on a widely used social media platform to Kline, finding he was distributing child pornography. Investigators reported that approximately 675 sadistic and masochistic images were found in his possession.

The investigation was conducted by the FBI Akron Field Office. The prosecution was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Dangelo.

"This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative is led by U.S. Attorneys' Offices throughout the country and marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit Justice.gov/PSC."

To report child exploitation or seek help regarding such crimes against children online or offline, individuals can use resources like cybertipline.org or call 1-800-843-5678 at any time.