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Two Held Without Bond as FBI Sting Ties Metro Detroit Professionals to Child Sex-Abuse Material

The Toledo operation led agents to encrypted chats, seized devices plus at least 155 illegal images cited in federal complaints.

Overview

  • Attorney Joshua Ronnebaum, psychotherapist Jeremy Brian Tacon and physician Lincoln Erickson face federal child sexual abuse material charges after an FBI probe linked them through chats and media exchanges.
  • On Dec. 16, a judge ordered Erickson detained without bond and Ronnebaum consented to detention, with Erickson’s next hearing set for Jan. 6 and Ronnebaum’s for Dec. 24.
  • The case stems from a March undercover arrest in Toledo that uncovered messages and files allegedly traded with the Detroit-area men, according to court records.
  • November search warrants recovered multiple devices, including phones showing encrypted Telegram activity, with one device containing at least 155 illegal images and messages that included an admission of abuse in Japan and discussion of trips to harm children.
  • Detroit Medical Center terminated Erickson and Arbor Wellness Center cut ties with Tacon, and prosecutors indicated a grand jury could consider additional charges carrying penalties that include a five-year mandatory minimum for possession.