Polk County investigation leads to sexual exploitation of a minor arrest in Ohio

POLK COUNTY, Neb. — An Ohio man is behind bars after allegedly sending sexually explicit messages and photos to a 10-year-old child in Polk County.

The Newark Police Department, with help from the FBI, arrested 27-year-old Cory Ortman of Newark, Ohio, on multiple felony charges.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation began in June after a parent reported that their child had received sexually explicit communications through a social media account.

Investigator Brittany McCracken led the case and, after months of search warrants and subpoenas, identified Ortman as the suspect.

Ortman is being held at the Licking County Jail with bond set at $1 million. Authorities have not released additional details but encouraged parents to monitor children’s online activity and report suspicious behavior.