Ohio man charged with exploiting, stalking minors online, including SC child [Video]

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — Conversations that could be uncomfortable between parents and their children are important to keep kids and teens safe online.

That’s the message from federal prosecutors and investigators after the recent arrest of an Ohio man, who is accused of exploiting and stalking multiple minors on social media, including one in South Carolina.

“Someone in another state, in their own house, can commit a crime in South Carolina without ever leaving that state, without ever coming into our community,” Assistant US Attorney Elliott Daniels said.

Both the US Attorney’s Office for the District of South Carolina and the FBI say crimes involving minors being sexually exploited online are happening more and more often.

“Children are comfortable in their home. They’re on devices, they’re on gaming platforms they’re comfortable with, and so they feel safe. They’re not as guarded as if they were in a public place, worried …