TOLEDO, Ohio – A local man has been convicted of receiving and distributing child pornography after pleading guilty in court on Monday. Martin Kokotaylo, who had initially pleaded not guilty, changed his plea to guilty during his hearing on April 14. The charge stems from a six-year period between January 1, 2017, and January 24, 2023, during which Kokotaylo knowingly received and shared explicit material involving minors.
Court records indicate that Kokotaylo, 35, was indicted on February 12 on a single count of Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography. Following a thorough investigation, authorities seized multiple electronic devices from Kokotaylo, which led to the charges. These devices were found to contain explicit content that violated federal law.
After reviewing the evidence, Kokotaylo withdrew his earlier not guilty plea and admitted to the crime. He is scheduled to return to court on July 24 for sentencing, where he could face significant prison time for his actions.
The investigation was part of ongoing efforts by federal and local authorities to combat child exploitation and the distribution of illicit material online. The case highlights the continued commitment of law enforcement agencies to identify and hold accountable individuals involved in such criminal activity.
Kokotaylo’s guilty plea brings the case closer to its resolution, though it remains a reminder of the serious and lasting impact of child pornography offenses. Legal experts emphasize the importance of maintaining vigilance and continuing efforts to protect vulnerable minors from exploitation.