A 25-year-old woman from Beachwood, Ohio, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Thursday for sexually exploiting two toddlers while working as their nanny and distributing child sexual abuse materials, federal prosecutors announced.
Molly Elisabeth Duncan was formally charged in a four-count indictment returned by a grand jury in the Northern District of Ohio. The charges include two counts of sexual exploitation of children, one count of distribution of visual depictions of minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct, and one count of possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to the indictment, Duncan sexually exploited two minor victims between November 2023 and July 2024 to produce explicit visual material, which she then distributed to others using a mobile application. Federal investigators stated that she exploited one child between November 2023 and March 2024, and another between April 2024 and July 2024.
In a criminal complaint filed on April 4, 2025, authorities alleged that Duncan served as a nanny to both toddler-aged victims at the time of the offenses. A forensic search of a cellphone found in her possession revealed multiple images and videos of CSAM, including material involving the two identified victims.
Prosecutors seek accountability for abuse involving trusted caregiver
Duncan is accused of using her role as a caregiver to facilitate the abuse and record material for distribution. The indictment alleges she intentionally created explicit visual depictions of the minors for the purpose of sharing them digitally with others.
If convicted on the charges of sexual exploitation of children, Duncan faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years in federal prison per count. The charge of distribution of CSAM carries a mandatory minimum of five years and up to 20 years in prison. Conviction on all charges could result in decades of incarceration.
Federal officials have not released the names or identifying details of the victims, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the ages of those involved.
Duncan remains in federal custody pending further proceedings in U.S. District Court in Cleveland.