Overview

• Thomas Shannon, 43, was arrested in Frankfort, Michigan after federal prosecutors filed a criminal complaint alleging sexual exploitation of minors and child pornography offenses.
• The complaint lists attempted receipt, receipt, and possession of child pornography, along with attempted sexual exploitation and sexual exploitation of a minor, with several counts carrying mandatory minimum prison terms.
• Investigators say the probe began with a 2021 therapist report about a 16-year-old on Snapchat, and Homeland Security Investigations used Snapchat and Cash App records to identify Shannon.
• A private forensic examiner Shannon hired in 2022 reportedly found child pornography on his phone and alerted police, which preceded local charges and a 2023 arrest at Gerald R. Ford International Airport.
• Authorities report additional alleged victims, including a 12-year-old and a minor who described being directed to video chat during sexually explicit conduct, and Shannon is jailed pending detention and preliminary hearings; the charges remain allegations.