Columbus police arrest 18-year-old for sextortion involving minor — File Photo: Handcuffs © Big Stock Images.

COLUMBUS, OH – On December 19, 2024, Columbus SWAT officers arrested 18-year-old Thomas S. Herdman at his North Linden residence following an investigation led by the Columbus Police Exploited Children Unit and the Franklin County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Herdman allegedly met a 14-year-old girl through social media, where he solicited nude images from her, promising payment and anonymity. After obtaining the images, Herdman reportedly threatened to publicly post them online, aiming to “ruin her life” unless she produced more explicit content.

The situation escalated as Herdman allegedly distributed the images to another device and warned the minor that contacting the police would lead to the public release of her photos. He further demanded that she meet him at a park for sexual intercourse in exchange for deleting the images, threatening additional violent sexual acts if she did not comply.

Thankfully, the minor chose to alert the authorities. On December 11, Columbus Police patrol officers found Herdman at the designated park, where he was waiting for the victim. The subsequent investigation uncovered communications involving threats and child sexual assault materials.

The young victim is now safe with her family and has been provided with necessary support resources. Herdman faces charges including Illegal Use of a Minor in Nudity-Oriented Material, Pandering Sexually Oriented Matter Involving a Minor, Extortion, and Attempted Sexual Battery.

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