Fairmont Man Charged In Child Sextortion Scheme
Tuesday, July 8, 2025, 7:40 A.M. ET. 1 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
PITTSBURGH, PA.- A 56-year-old Fairmont, West Virginia, man is facing up to a combined federal prison term of 45 years in federal prison after being formally charged last Wednesday in a federal criminal information in connection with allegedly distributing child pornography in a Pennsylvania sextortion scheme.
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Troy Rivetti, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, a Federal Grand Jury for the Western District of Pennsylvania returned a two-count indictment charging Ronald John Kirkham, 56, of Fairmont, West Virginia, with Distribution of Child Pornography; and Interstate Transmission of an Extorionate Communication.
According To Charging Information In The Indictment
According to the charging information unsealed in the indictment, it is alleged that around 2017, Kirkham met his victim, a 17-year-old girl, online and coerced and persuaded the teen to send him naked digital images and video files of herself engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
The indictment further alleges that years later, Kirkham sent the girl’s digital images back to her, threatening to publish the images online if she did not send him additional digital images or video files of herself or pay him money.
If convicted at trial on both charges, Kirkham faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and a maximum sentence of up to 45 years in federal prison, as well as a term of supervised release and a fine of up to $500,000. At sentencing, upon a finding of guilt, a U.S. District Court Judge would determine the term of imprisonment based on the seriousness of the offenses and Kirkham’s prior criminal history.
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
