MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — A Middletown man could go to prison for up to 26 years after he pleaded guilty to 11 counts of federal child exploitation crimes, according to Acting U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of Ohio Kelly Norris.
Norris' office announced 53-year-old William Scott Elam used online chat apps to connect with young girls between the ages of 10 and 16. During those interactions, Elam pretended to be a 14-year-old boy and coerced or attempted to coerce his victims into taking nude and explicit photos or videos.
Elam "began online relationships" with girls in at least seven states over the span of four years, according to Norris' office. Law enforcement have identified at least 10 victims so far.
Federal officials said Elam used manipulative tactics, like coercing at least one victim into complying with his requests by threatening to hurt himself if she didn't do as he asked. He also coerced another victim into harming herself on live video.
Elam then further coerced his victims by threatening to leak nude images he obtained of them.
The plea agreement Elam entered into with the prosecution includes a recommended sentence of 26 years in prison.
