Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit, the Port Clinton police department, the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, and the Tiffin police department, in coordination with other law enforcement partners, executed a search warrant and made an arrest on May 2 following a CyberTip received from the Tiffin police department.
The investigation began when law enforcement received a tip regarding the upload of suspected child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to an online platform. The CyberTip was forwarded to the Ottawa County Major Crimes unit, who with the help of the various police partners, initiated a detailed forensic and investigative process to identify the source of the material.
Investigators ultimately executed a court-authorized search warrant at the residence located in the 300 block of Cedar Street in Port Clinton. During the operation, and with the help of the Major Crimes Unit Electronic Storage Detection (ESD) K9 Oak, multiple electronic devices were seized for forensic examination.
The suspects, identified as Jason Schlipf, 36, and his wife, Kati Schlipf, 37, were taken into custody at the scene without incident.
Both Jason and Kati were booked into the Ottawa County Detention Facility on charges pertaining to pandering obscenity involving a minor. Additional charges may be filed pending the results of forensic analysis.
"This case is a prime example of the power of interagency cooperation and the vital role that public and digital service providers play in protecting children," an Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit press release said. "Law enforcement throughout Ottawa County remain committed to pursuing those who exploit children online and holding them accountable."
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with additional information related to this case or other suspected crimes against children is urged to contact their local law enforcement or the Ottawa County Major Crimes Unit at 419-898-3155.
