A Marion County man already being held without bond on charges involving a juvenile now faces 81 additional felonies after investigators searched his cellphone and reportedly uncovered child sexual abuse material, videos involving local juveniles and pornographic images involving animals.
Marion County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Detective Michael Lowder filed the new charges against Richard Kohn, 21, following a forensic examination of Kohn’s mobile device.
The additional charges include 20 counts each of possession of child sexual abuse material, possession of child sexual abuse material with intent to promote and promoting a sexual performance by a child.
Kohn also faces 12 counts of transmitting child sexual abuse material and nine counts of possessing pornographic images depicting sexual activity involving animals.
Kohn has remained in the Marion County Jail without bond since his initial arrest on May 28.
He was originally charged with three counts of lewd and lascivious battery, two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, two counts of traveling to meet a minor and one count of interfering with child custody.
The investigation began after a school resource officer was notified that a juvenile student had disclosed having sexual contact with Kohn.
According to MCSO, the juvenile’s mother later found sexually explicit photos and videos that Kohn had allegedly sent through the child’s Snapchat account.
Detectives arranged to intervene when Kohn reportedly attempted to meet the juvenile for sex at a designated location. He was arrested when he arrived.
Following the arrest, Lowder obtained a warrant to search Kohn’s cellphone. Investigators said the device contained an extensive collection of child sexual abuse material, including images and videos involving prepubescent children.
Detectives also reportedly found material involving identifiable juveniles from Marion County and surrounding counties, along with images involving the juvenile from the original investigation.
According to MCSO, investigators uncovered evidence that Kohn produced sexual abuse material involving a juvenile and later transmitted the files to other people.
Detectives believe there may be additional victims who have not yet been identified.
Anyone with information about other possible crimes involving Kohn is asked to contact Detective Michael Lowder at 352-351-6408.
