A Fostoria resident, Robert Ware, 51, arrested for the the possession of child sex abuse material,
A Fostoria resident, Robert Ware, aged 51, has been taken into custody and is facing five charges related to the possession of child sex abuse material, as per a press release from the Fostoria Police Department issued on Friday.
Ware was apprehended on Monday following the execution of a search warrant at his residence in the 300 block of Boston Avenue by authorities from various agencies, including Fostoria police, the Seneca County Drug Task Force METRICH Enforcement Unit, and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. The search resulted in the discovery and seizure of an estimated 10,000 files consisting of images and videos depicting child sex abuse.
Authorities clarified that the materials do not seem to be homemade, locally created, or involve Mr. Ware directly.
Following his arrest, Ware was placed in custody at the Seneca County Jail and charged with five counts of Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, all classified as fourth-degree felonies. Due to Ware’s previous convictions related to the same charge, the most recent charges have been elevated to third-degree felonies.
Court records reveal that Ware had previously faced two counts of Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor in 2017. In a plea deal, he admitted guilt to one count of Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor and a reduced charge of Attempted Pandering Obscenity Involving a Minor.
Fostoria Police Detective Kyle Reinbolt emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Whether the images and videos of the children possessed by Mr. Ware are from other countries or not is irrelevant to me, they are of children.” He reiterated the commitment to pursuing individuals preying on children, ensuring they face legal consequences and community awareness.
