A Fairmont, West Virginia resident has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh. Ronald John Kirkham Jr., 56, faces charges of distributing child sexual abuse material and the interstate transmission of extortionate communication. The announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Troy Rivetti.
The indictment alleges that Kirkham met his victim online when she was 17 years old. Around 2017, he persuaded her to send him explicit photos and videos. Years later, he reportedly threatened to publish these materials unless she sent more content or paid him money.
If convicted, Kirkham could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. The actual sentence would depend on the severity of the offenses and any prior criminal history.
Assistant United States Attorney Kelly M. Locher is prosecuting the case for the government. The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and North Fayette Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice aimed at combating child sexual exploitation and abuse. This project brings together federal, state, and local resources to prosecute offenders and rescue victims.
An indictment is merely an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
