Clay County authorities are asking residents to help Marion County investigators identify possible additional victims in a child-sex case that has grown by 81 felony charges. Richard Kohn, who was initially arrested in May, remains jailed without bond as detectives review evidence seized from his phone. Investigators say the case may extend beyond the juvenile whose disclosure first brought it to law enforcement.
The Clay County Sheriff's Office shared the warning Thursday, citing the Clay County alert about the Marion County Sheriff's Office investigation. The initial inquiry began May 28, after a school resource officer was notified that a juvenile had disclosed sexual conduct involving Kohn.
Phone Evidence Expanded The Case
Detective Michael Lowder later executed a search warrant on Kohn's mobile device, investigators say. The forensic examination reportedly uncovered child sexual abuse material, including images and videos involving prepubescent children and identifiable juveniles from Marion and surrounding counties, along with self-produced material involving a juvenile.
Detectives intervened when Kohn allegedly attempted to meet the juvenile for sex at a designated location. The agency's account also says the victim's mother discovered explicit photos and videos Kohn had sent through Snapchat.
The 81 New Charges
The additional counts include 20 counts of possessing child sexual material, 20 counts of possessing it with intent to promote, 20 counts of promoting a sexual performance by a child, 12 counts of transmitting child sexual abuse material and nine counts involving images depicting sexual activity with animals. Those charges were added to the original allegations of 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 interference with child custody.
Kohn has been held without bond at the Marion County Jail since his initial arrest, according to investigators. The charges remain allegations, and Kohn is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
How To Share Information
Anyone with information about Kohn or possible unidentified victims can contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at 904-264-6512 or submit a SafeWatch tip. Tips may also be directed to Detective Michael Lowder at 352-351-6408.
