A federal grand jury has returned a four-count indictment against Molly Elisabeth Duncan, 25, of Beachwood, Ohio, charging her with serious offenses related to the sexual exploitation of children. The indictment includes charges of sexual exploitation of children, distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and possession of child sexual abuse materials (CSAM), also known as child pornography.
According to the indictment, the allegations span from November 2023 to July 2024. Duncan is accused of engaging in the sexual exploitation of a minor identified as victim #1 between November 2023 and March 2024, with the intent to produce visual depictions for distribution.
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The indictment further alleges that from April 2024 to July 2024, Duncan sexually exploited a second minor, victim #2, for the same purpose.
The indictment also states that Duncan allegedly used a mobile application to transmit numerous digital files containing CSAM, which included visual depictions of the minor victims, to other individuals.
Details from the original criminal complaint and underlying affidavit filed on April 4, 2025, indicate that Duncan was employed as a nanny for the two toddler-aged victims. The alleged abuse and production of sexual abuse materials are reported to have occurred in the victims’ homes located in the Northern District of Ohio. During a forensic examination of a cellphone found in Duncan’s possession, investigators discovered multiple CSAM images and videos.
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If convicted of sexual exploitation of children, Duncan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years. A conviction for distributing visual depictions of real minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct carries a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum of 20 years.
The investigation into this case is being conducted by the Cleveland Field Office of Homeland Security Investigations and the Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Margaret A. Kane and Michelle M. Baeppler of the Northern District of Ohio are prosecuting the case.
Authorities urge anyone with knowledge and information about this matter to contact the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at 216-698-3151.
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