COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A 14-year-old girl who alleged that she was lured into a sextortion scheme helped police set up a sting at a park, leading to the man's arrest.
According to a criminal complaint, officers arrested 18-year-old Thomas Herdman on Dec. 11 in the Hilltop’s Westgate Park after receiving reports of a meeting between him and the girl, who had told police she was a sextortion victim.
The girl reported that she had received a text from Herdman after she responded to an Instagram message offering money for nude photos.
After she complied, Herdman directed the victim to produce more photos and videos for payment. He reportedly then threatened to expose her publicly and “ruin her life” unless she performed sex acts on him, setting the meeting time. He was apprehended by police while attempting to leave the park.
An investigation and search warrant found the images and texts on Herdman’s phone. In the texts, the girl told Herdman that she was only 14 and scared. A SWAT unit arrested him again Thursday at his residence. Herdman admitted to receiving and distributing sexual material and threatening the victim, records show.
A Franklin County Municipal Court judge issued Herdman a $250,000 bond on felony charges of pandering sexually oriented material involving a minor, illegal use of a minor with nudity oriented material, extortion and attempted felony.
The Exploited Children Unit reminds parents to monitor their children's online and social media activity. Please speak regularly with them about online safety. Parents and children can find information and educational assistance at NCMEC.org, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
