COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — A Perry County man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for sexually exploiting at least four minor victims.
Shannon “Michael” McTighe, 46, formerly of Thornville, was sentenced Tuesday in U.S. District Court to 480 months in prison.
According to court documents, McTighe possessed about 300,000 images and videos of child sexual abuse on his electronic devices. The material included newly created videos and images depicting McTighe sexually abusing four minor victims who he had access to.
The abuse of one victim began when she was 7 years old.
McTighe was arrested by FBI agents in Canton on June 12, 2025. Agents recovered numerous electronic devices and three pairs of female juvenile underwear from a safe at his residence.
McTighe pleaded guilty in February 2026 to sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child pornography.
The sentence was imposed by Chief U.S. District Court Judge Sarah D. Morrison.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Cincinnati Division and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Ohio.
The case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative focused on investigating and prosecuting child sexual exploitation and abuse and identifying and assisting victims.
Last Updated on August 14, 2026 by AVC News
