MD State Police Arrest Caroline Co. Man On Child Pornography, Child Sex Offense Charges

CENTREVILLE, MD – A Caroline County man has been indicted and arrested on more than 100 child pornography and related child sex charges following a months-long investigation by Maryland State Police.

The suspect is identified as James A. Sleasman, 38, of Ridgely, Md. Indicted by a Caroline County Grand Jury convened by the state’s attorney, Sleasman is charged with 43 counts of distribution of child pornography, 53 counts of possession of child pornography, 15 counts of sexual solicitation of a minor, four counts of solicitation of child pornography and one count each of distribution of obscene matter and possession with intent to distribute obscene matter. Following his indictiment, Sleasman was arrested July 31st. He is currently being held at the Caroline County Detention Center on $50,000 secured bond.

The investigation began earlier this year when the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division received a cybertip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an online user, later identified as Sleasman, had uploaded images of possible child pornography/obscene images while using a social media platform. While their initial investigation was underway, troopers received additional cybertips from another social media provider that several images of child pornography were distributed through their platform to other users. Through the course of the investigation, the user who distributed those images was also determined to be Sleasman.

The investigation also found evidence that Sleasman had distributed numerous images and videos of child pornography to other people. Based on their investigation, investigators allege Sleasman was talking to minors under the age of 16 and engaging in sexually-related conversations, to include soliciting child pornographic images from them. One of the minors has been identified and investigators are working to identify others.

State Police investigators believe there could be additional victims. Anyone who may have been a victim of Sleasman and/or has additional information on this case is asked to contact the Maryland State Police Centreville Barrack at 410-758-1101, ext 5148. The investigation is continuing …