CHICAGO – A federal jury in the Windy City found an Ohio man guilty on multiple charges stemming from his illicit online relationship with a 16-year-old Illinois girl.
Andrew Boltz, 25, of Kenton, Ohio, faced five counts, which included the sexual exploitation of a minor and the receipt of child pornography.
Evidence showed Boltz began communication with the victim in January 2020 via the social media platform Omegle, an app that promotes ‘talking to strangers’. Their interactions expanded to text messages and Snapchat. Over time, Boltz persuaded the teenager to send explicit images of herself, even guiding her on the nature of the content.
The trial, which spanned six days in a U.S. District Court in Chicago, saw the courageous victim testify against Boltz, detailing how she was manipulated and demeaned by him.
The case reached its conclusion under the watchful eyes of Morris Pasqual, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois, and Robert W. “Wes” Wherry, the FBI’s Special Agent-in-Charge in Chicago.
Boltz’s charges carry a minimum of 15 years and a potential maximum of 30 years in federal prison for exploitation. His sentencing date is yet to be announced.
