CLEVELAND — A Richland County man who formerly worked with the local Boy Scout of America pleaded guilty Tuesday to multiple charges stemming from his secretly filming boys and sharing the images on the internet.
Thirty-nine-year-old Thomas Close, of Shelby, pleaded to two counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distributing child pornography. Under the terms of his agreement, he is expected to face between 27 and 33 years in federal prison.
Known as "Aqua Joe," Close worked with Boy Scout Troop 406. Officials say he planted multiple hidden cameras to film the boys before and after swimming at both the Sandusky YMCA and his own home, as well as at the Firelands Scout Reservation in Wakeman. The videos were created between 2011 and the summer of 2018, and Close was arrested this past November following an investigation by the United States Department of Homeland Security along with state and local officials.
U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman of the Northern District of Ohio issued the following statement:
"This defendant used his position of trust to exploit several children and cause harm that will likely linger for years for his victims and their families. This defendant needs to be locked up for decades and today’s plea is another important step in making sure that happens."
Close also admitted to downloading child pornography, and apparently claimed to have roughly five terabytes of illegal material on his computer.
Said Homeland Security Special Agent Vance Callender:
"Mr. Close's admission today will hopefully begin the healing process for all of those who have been impacted by his heinous crimes. I commend the community who supported this sensitive investigation and the pursuit of justice throughout this difficult period. Among its many types of investigations, HSI looks to bring swift justice to perpetrators of child exploitation through a victim centered approach."
The Boy Scouts of America Lake Erie Council says it has fully cooperated with investigators and had already banned Close from participating in further events. Close is scheduled to be sentenced in January.