Thomas Shannon, a 43-year-old orthodontist formerly practicing in Grandville, Michigan, was arrested in Frankfort on charges related to child exploitation. The arrest was announced by U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey.
The criminal complaint states that the investigation began when a therapist reported the sexual exploitation of a 16-year-old minor on Snapchat. Authorities identified Shannon as the alleged perpetrator using records from SnapChat and CashApp. Shannon hired a private forensic examiner to review his phone to demonstrate he did not possess child pornography. However, the examiner discovered child pornography and provided it to police. Further investigation of Shannon’s phone and Snapchat records revealed additional minor victims, including one who was twelve years old. Another minor victim also came forward, stating she met Shannon online and that he directed her to participate in sexually explicit video chats.
Shannon faces several charges: attempted receipt of child pornography, receipt of child pornography, possession of child pornography, attempted sexual exploitation of a minor, and sexual exploitation of a minor. The potential penalties for these crimes range from five years to thirty years in prison.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations along with law enforcement agencies from Kent County (Michigan), Fuquay Varina (North Carolina), and Prince George’s County (Maryland).
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Childhood, an initiative focused on protecting children from online exploitation and abuse. The program involves cooperation among federal prosecutors, local law enforcement agencies, Internet Crimes Against Children task forces, and community organizations to both pursue offenders and educate communities about online dangers. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
U.S. Attorney Timothy VerHey stated: “The charges in a complaint are merely accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.”
