CINCINNATI — A Cincinnati man who sought babysitting jobs online is now facing federal child pornography charges, U.S. Attorney David DeVillers' office announced Tuesday.
According to a news release, FBI agents operating undercover out of El Paso, Texas, discovered 29-year-old Ryan J. McConnell, of Cincinnati, on an online forum called, "Toddlers," in which users have shared "hundreds of videos and images of child rape."
Federal agents accused McConnell of possessing on his mobile phone and transporting child pornography "depicting pre-pubescent and pubescent boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct while wearing diapers."
Agents' ensuing investigation revealed McConnell has sought babysitting jobs starting in 2010 on sites like SitterCity, Care and Craigslist, DeVillers' release stated.
The U.S. District Court unsealed documents pertinent to the case after McConnell made his initial appearance in court Tuesday afternoon.
"(C)riminal complaint documents allege McConnell was registered for three SitterCity accounts and had created at least 20 Craigslist ads offering childcare and/or babysitting services as recently as late October 2020," the release stated.
If convicted on both possession and transporting counts, McConnell could face up to 30 years in federal prison.
DeVillers' office said the FBI believes there could be more victims associated with McConnell's case and asks anyone in the Greater Cincinnati area with information to contact its local field office at 513-979-8611.
