New Richmond man facing 25 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor
Clermont County Prosecutor Mark J. Tekulve announced that a Clermont County grand jury returned an indictment against David Sears, 51, of New Richmond.
Sears was indicted March 21 for 25 counts of pandering sexually oriented matter involving a minor. If convicted on all counts, Sears could be sentenced up to 200 years in prison.
The New Richmond Police Department was made aware of Sears’ potential possession of child pornography by an online group who targets sexual predators. While pretending to be an 11-year-old female, the online group allegedly communicated with Sears through two social media apps.
Expecting to meet up with this 11-year-old girl, Sears allegedly drove to a parking lot at night, armed with alcohol and lotion. Instead of the young girl, he was greeted by adult males who questioned him about his communications and intentions. As a result of this meeting, the New Richmond police went to Sears’ residence, spoke with him and confiscated the alleged physical evidence.
The indictment is based on allegations of numerous images and videos of young children engaged in sexual activity. These images and videos were allegedly found on Sears’ computer. Sears allegedly admitted to possessing, downloading and sharing these disturbing images and videos of the young children.
This was a direct indictment brought down by the grand jury.
An indictment is merely a charge and is not evidence of guilt.