ARCHBOLD, Ohio – A 25-year-old Archbold man, Owen King, has been indicted on 19 charges, including importuning, pandering obscenity involving a minor, and pandering sexually-oriented material involving a minor. The indictment, handed down by a Fulton County grand jury, stems from allegations that King solicited a 15-year-old minor to engage in sexual activity.
According to court records, the crimes are said to have occurred between January 1 and March 17, 2025. King is accused of creating, directing, producing, and transferring materials or performances that depicted a nude minor, violating state laws that protect minors from sexual exploitation and abuse.
The charges against King are among the most severe under Ohio’s child protection laws. Importuning involves enticing or soliciting a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity, while pandering obscenity and sexually-oriented material involve the creation or distribution of explicit content involving minors.
Local authorities have yet to release further details regarding the investigation, but the case has raised concerns within the community about the protection of children from such predatory behavior. Law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the full scope of the case, ensuring the safety and well-being of any additional potential victims.
The indictment comes at a time when authorities across the nation are intensifying efforts to combat online exploitation and child abuse. Legal experts say this case underscores the ongoing need for vigilance in protecting minors from exploitation in both the digital world and real life.
King’s legal team has not yet made a public statement regarding the charges. As the case progresses, it will likely have significant legal and emotional implications for the individuals involved, particularly the victim, whose identity has been protected under Ohio’s laws to safeguard minors in such cases.
The charges carry serious penalties, including significant prison time, if King is convicted. His arraignment is expected to take place in the coming weeks.