32-Year-Old Wapakoneta, Ohio Man Admits Guilt For Sextortion Of A Minor West Virginia Girl
Friday, August 23, 2024, 6:00 P.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
CHARLESTON, WV.- On Wednesday, August 21, 2024, Leonard Samiia, 32, of Wapakoneta, Ohio, appeared in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia and pleaded guilty to a charge of Production of Child Pornography.
According to documents and statements filed with the court, on or about February 20, 2023, Samiia enticed a minor victim who lived in the Southern District of West Virginia to send nude images of her vagina to him through the internet using instant messenger service.
Admits Guilt
Samiia admitted in court that the female child that she was not 18 years old yet. Samiia also sent the images back to the girl using the messenger service.
Samiia further admitted that he sent a series of messages to the girl, directing her to make specific poses and take specific actions for these images. He also revealed that he threatened the child with images she sent him, including messaging her, “Have fun with these pics being posted now,” “being posted all over Facebook, Google, Snapchat, twitch and everywhere,” and “THEY WILL BE POSTED ON YOUR SCHOOL WEBSITE.” In one message, Samiia threatened to travel to where the girl lived and physically harm her and others.
According to United States Attorney Will Thompson, Samiia is scheduled for December 16, 2024. At that time, he will face a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison and at least five years and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He will also face a fine of up to $250,000.
Samiia also owes restitution. The amount will be determined by the Court and will be required to register as a sex offender under Megan’s Law registration requirements.
