Buckeye Reporter

A Lorain County resident has been charged with receipt and distribution of child sexual abuse materials, as well as possession of child pornography. Federal authorities allege that Michael Neville, 46, of Elyria, Ohio, engaged in sexually explicit conversations with an undercover agent who was posing as the father of a 9-year-old girl on a social media messaging platform.

According to details from the criminal complaint and supporting affidavit, the discussions revealed Neville's sexual interest in children. Investigators reportedly discovered that Neville’s electronic device contained material involving pre-pubescent children. Additionally, he is accused of sending material depicting the sadistic abuse of an infant.

If found guilty, Neville could face up to 20 years in prison for each charge related to receipt and distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, as well as for possession of child pornography.

The case is under investigation by the FBI Cleveland Division and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Margaret A. Kane for the Northern District of Ohio.

Authorities encourage anyone with information about this case to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 216-698-3151.

"A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law."