COLUMBUS, Ohio — Meteorologist Mike Davis stood silently during his initial appearance in Franklin County Municipal Court Friday. He stood in a jail jumpsuit with his hands folded together looking down at the ground.
Davis is charged with one count of pandering sexually-oriented material involving a minor - a second-degree felony.
But more charges could be coming. Multiple law enforcement sources told 10TV that the images uncovered in the investigation number in the thousands and date back years.
Davis, a long-time member of WBNS-TV’s weather department, will not be allowed to leave Franklin County and will be required to turn over his passport, a judge said Friday.
Attorney Terry Sherman argued for a recognizance bond but the judge wouldn’t have it - setting a $25,000 cash and $25,000 appearance bond.
There’s still some confusion and a mix of opinions after speaking with several other attorneys and bondsmen in court Friday over what that means. All told, most agree it’s a $50,000 bond but it can be posted a variety of ways - including paying only a fraction of that to a bondsman.
Davis was released from jail just before noon on Friday.
Davis was arrested Thursday at his Upper Arlington home. Police served a search warrant there looking for electronics before coming to WBNS-TV and seizing his personal laptop and four thumb drives.
Police said Davis both sent and received images showing children being exploited. When asked to characterize his behavior, Chief Deputy Rick Minerd with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said he was cooperative.
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The Ohio Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force has information on how to keep you and your family safe from internet exploitation. For more information, click here.
WBNS is a TEGNA-owned affiliate.
