Detectives in Butler County say a quiet Hamilton block turned into a crime scene Wednesday when a search of a home on Silver Lane ended with a sextortion probe, a stack of seized electronics and a man in handcuffs.
Investigators executed a search warrant at a residence in the 1400 block of Silver Lane and seized multiple electronic devices. After forensic review, detectives say those devices contained sexual images of prepubescent girls. The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Brandon Anderson, is facing charges that include two counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor and one count of obstructing official business.
In a post Wednesday, according to the Butler County Sheriff's Office, forensic examiners located "multiple images depicting prepubescent female juveniles nude and engaged in sexual acts" on the seized devices. The office said Anderson was arrested and charged with obstructing official business, a misdemeanor, and two counts of pandering obscenity involving a minor, fourth-degree felonies, and that detectives expect additional charges as the investigation continues.
Detectives say the case started moving fast on Tuesday, when a juvenile in the Ross school district reported being sextorted by an adult male neighbor. Investigators are now trying to determine whether there are additional victims. Anyone who believes they may be a victim was asked to contact Detective Partin at 513-785-1252, according to the release.
State Law And Penalties
Ohio lawmakers enacted Braden's Law in 2025 to make sextortion a felony and to speed court access to electronic records, giving investigators new tools for cases like this, according to the Ohio Legislature. Under the Ohio Revised Code section 2907.321, pandering obscenity involving a minor carries felony penalties, and the specific degree depends on the conduct described in the statute.
Sextortion And Investigations
Sextortion typically begins online, with predators using promises, threats or offers of money to coerce explicit images or videos from young people, the FBI warns. Investigators urge young people and parents not to delete anything and not to pay or negotiate with suspects, since quick reporting helps preserve messages, usernames and images that can be crucial forensic evidence.
How To Report And Where To Get Help
Sheriff Richard K. Jones said the office is committed to protecting children and pursuing predators, the Butler County Sheriff's Office release said. Detectives are asking witnesses or possible victims to preserve relevant messages or images and contact Detective Partin at 513-785-1252 so investigators can review devices and other evidence.
Anyone who believes they are being targeted also can call 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips through the FBI.
